Jun
05
USSF Calls Out MLS Refs Again
Ever wonder about that bad PK call last week? Okay I know that is too general since there was a couple bad PK calls last week but the USSF called out the sideline ref at last week’s New England/DC game.
“There is minimal contact. The contact is doubtful, soft and trifling. It does not prevent the attacker from playing the ball nor does it cause him to misplay the ball. The attacker is falling backward on his own volition. The minimal contact by the defender does not contribute to the attacker’s fall. This is a 50/50 call that must be left to the referee, who is positioned much closer. The assistant referee is not in ‘rhythm’ with the referee’s decisions as they have developed throughout the match. In other words, the decision is not clear enough to differ from the management style exhibited by the referee to that point in the match. Although not the best line of vision, the referee does have a decent perspective and is much closer to the situation than the AR. Given the unclear nature of the contact, the challenge should be considered ‘beyond the AR’s area of control.’ “
No mention of the PK call during the Chicago/Chivas game.
