MLS Week 3 - 2018

[Gotham Gator]

Dempsey getting the latest of the VAR red cards for stuff that used to go uncalled.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018...clint-dempsey-shown-third-red-card-mls-career

 

[Gotham Gator]

Dempsey getting the latest of the VAR red cards for stuff that used to go uncalled.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018...clint-dempsey-shown-third-red-card-mls-career

The Instant Replay guys led off this week with the Dempsey call, and inexplicably they each get it completely wrong. On replay, it looks very strongly like Dempsey only swept his arms through the arms of the defender who was holding him. It certainly isn't clear at all that he made contact with the defender's midsection. No way should that have been a red card after a video review.

And while I am at it, if the referee is going to award a red card for Dempsey's arm swing, then where is the penalty kick for the defender grabbing Dempsey with both hands and impeding his progress in the box? What you say? He wasn't grabbed very hard, and the ball was played elsewhere? Maybe, but by the strict letter of the rule, that is a foul in the box and a penalty.

It seems to me the VAR can't have it both ways. Whether it is a red card for a flailing arm or a potential penalty, you either exercise some judgment as to the severity of the contact and the context in which it occurred, or you don't.

 

[Ulrich]

The Instant Replay guys led off this week with the Dempsey call, and inexplicably they each get it completely wrong. On replay, it looks very strongly like Dempsey only swept his arms through the arms of the defender who was holding him. It certainly isn't clear at all that he made contact with the defender's midsection. No way should that have been a red card after a video review.

And while I am at it, if the referee is going to award a red card for Dempsey's arm swing, then where is the penalty kick for the defender grabbing Dempsey with both hands and impeding his progress in the box? What you say? He wasn't grabbed very hard, and the ball was played elsewhere? Maybe, but by the strict letter of the rule, that is a foul in the box and a penalty.

It seems to me the VAR can't have it both ways. Whether it is a red card for a flailing arm or a potential penalty, you either exercise some judgment as to the severity of the contact and the context in which it occurred, or you don't.

Yeah, my first thought was the player came up from behind and grabbed Dempsey to keep him contained. If that’s not a foul, then it’s time to stop all officiating because rules then are open to interpretation. If the ref is doing his job, Dempsey doesn’t instinctively react.

 

[Gotham Gator]

There is just no way the red card rises to Clear and Obvious Error. Terrible from Penso and Kevin Stott.

https://twitter.com/x/status/975835552439300096

 

[mgarbowski]

This play wasn't analyzed in the Instant Replay video, but I have to commend Ted Unkel for how he handled the VAR that gave RSL a penalty against the Red Bulls. Namely, he didn't look at the video. He relied on the VAR official. Refs have the option to do this every time, and this is the first time I saw it happen. I get that refs want to make decisions themselves, but they need to start trusting the VAR officials more, and saving time. This was a very good occasion to do so because I suspect the only issue was whether the foul was inside or outside the penalty area.

 

[Midas Mulligan]

they need to start trusting the VAR officials more,

Yep. Like I said, Bundesliga model needed desperately.

I think the MLS model is set by PRO as a full employment measure. Basically, you’re getting a pay check for another 8-12 guys per week.

And that’s big for a legalized criminal racket union.

 

[LionNYC]

Waston's VAR red card overturned.

Fire Elfath.

https://twitter.com/x/status/977264264292388864

 

[Gotham Gator]

Wonder if Seattle appealed Dempsey's card, which was even more questionable.