The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 30 overview
There were five Video Reviews during Matchday 30.
CIN vs NE: Goal
Outcome: After review, New England #99 [Dor Turgeman] did not commit an offside offense when the ball was passed to him by New England #25 [Peyton Miller].
The final decision was a goal [to New England Revolution].
Length of Review: 1:30
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was played to Turgeman (NE) by Miller (NE), he was kept onside by Tyrell Malacia (CIN) on the far left of the field. The referee was correct to award the goal after video review.
NSH vs SKC: No goal (attacker handball)
Outcome: After review, Nashville #9 [Sam Surridge] committed an attacker handball offense in the process of scoring a goal.
The final decision was that the goal [for Nashville] was disallowed. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to Sporting Kansas City].
Length of Review: 1:50
PRO’s opinion: The ball touched Surridge’s (NSH) right arm immediately prior to him scoring. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for an attacker handball offense after video review.
As a reminder, while this would not have been penalized if the ball struck the arm of a defender in this manner, the Laws of the Game are clear when it comes to attacker handballs: “It is an offense if a player scores in the opponents’ goal directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper.”
This is a factual decision, and the VAR/referee only need to conclude whether the ball touched the arm or not.
NSH vs SKC: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Kansas City #15 [Jansen Miller] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to Nashville].
Length of Review: 0:58
PRO’s opinion: As Warren Madrigal (NSH) crossed the ball, Miller (SKC) attempted to block it but had his arm extended away from his body, creating a barrier. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
Outcome: After review, Houston #31 [Jonathan Bond] fouled San Diego #94 [Cédric Bakambu] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to San Diego FC] and a yellow card to Houston #31 for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity while challenging for the ball.
Length of Review: 1:59
PRO’s opinion: Bond (HOU) did not play the ball and made contact with Bakambu (SD) inside the penalty area. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick and issue a yellow card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity while challenging for the ball after video review.
Outcome: After review, Colorado #9 [Sayed Abu Farki] committed a violent conduct offense on Minnesota #15 [Michael Boxall].
The final decision was a red card to Colorado #9.
Length of Review: 2:10
PRO’s opinion: After both players fell to the ground following a challenge along the touchline, Abu Farki (COL) deliberately slapped Boxall (MIN) in the face. The referee was correct to upgrade the yellow card originally issued for a lack of respect to the game to a red card for violent conduct after video review.