Given the numerous problems that Orlando City has had with that group (the Ruckus) I would not object to the ref union making some sort of statement or even taking a stand about not doing Orlando games until the club at least removes their official endorsement of them seen here: https://www.orlandocitysc.com/fans Or some other sort of official action to put a quick end to this.
Agreed. It really is uncool. I added Orlando City's official account to my tweet at the guy who doxxed Unkel, but I have my doubts they pay it any mind, unfortunately.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...pitch/os-sp-orlando-city-news-0606-story.html OC made appeal for 1st red.
I hope you are right, but I also think that the committee has shown a pretty keen sense to politics and fan pressure...I think it was a good red card, but wouldn't be surprised if they caved, like they did on the Alan Kelley red card to Perez (? I think that's who it was, ATL vs. Montreal) overturned earlier this season.
The Kelly foul had some pretty good factual arguments against a red card, though (most noticeably the location of the ball and the ability for the attacker to play it when he got fouled). Perhaps the overturning had a further chilling on DOGSO reds in the penalty area, but that's a different discussion and at least you could understand the argument against that particular red card. This red is completely justified based on the contact to the knee. And given the Orlando City fan reaction, if the committee actually has any sense of politics, caving to their demands rather than protecting players and referees would seem to be the incorrect route to take. MLS failing to vocally defend Unkel and explain both why this was a red card and how the targeting him is wholly unacceptable would be the wrong message. Going a step further and having the committee actually overturn this card, given what's occurred since, would--and should--unleash chaos from PSRA (and hopefully USSF and PRO).
This has been spread around from what I've seen. Posted yesterday evening. Most of the replies are from decent human beings. Then there are some other replies. Our statement regarding the incident involving the President of an Orlando City SG:#Respect pic.twitter.com/y1mvafgmHb— PSRA Officials (@PSRAofficials) June 7, 2017 Looks like Orlando City & MLS have decided that their fan did nothing wrong, but that they should, you know, chime in just a bit and let him know that he shouldn't ever do it agai......wait, they apparently didn't even tell him to not do it again. I'll be damned. Seems like they're fine with this behavior from fan groups that represent the club. http://www.themaneland.com/2017/6/6...ia-post-outing-ted-unkels-contact-information
Weak sauce from OCSC/MLS. This wasn't just a supporter" it was the SG president. And reportedly (thought I never saw it) the official SG Twitter account re-tweeted it and then later deleted it.
So a DC United fan can set off a smoke bomb under the bridge on the walk to RFK and gets banned from all MLS stadia for a year. An OCSC Supporters Group President can dox a referee and gets a slap on the wrist. That's fantastic. I'm sure PSRA and PRO can't be too happy if that's all the punishment that guy gets.
Unfortunately no, but the Geiger offside call is still instructive: http://www.proreferees.com/news-play-of-the-week-2017-week-14.php
MLS has historically no history of protecting and looking out for referees. Neither has US Soccer. Why would they start now? This is the same league that let Beckham run wild. Same league that only decided to act on Dempsey after public pressure. There was an incident this year in MLS, where after receiving a red card a player went back at the referee and made contact with him. Basically, bumped into him. Referee put the incident in his report and all the player received was a one game suspension and a fine for "excessive dissent." If they won't do anything about players and coaches abusing and assaulting referees, why would they do go after a nut job who googled the referee?
This is a moment where there should be serious action from PSRA. The rescinding is wrong, based on Law. It's also dangerous, given the atmosphere that has existed post-game. The message of encouragement this sends to ill-informed rabid fans, who implicitly threaten violence, is frightening. And the message it sends to MLS referees is that no one has their back--even when they do their job correctly. This is the type of thing you play hardball over.
One absolutely maddening component just crossed my mind. VAR, as it's been implemented thus far, would have upheld this red card--there's 100% certainty about that. So if this play had happened after the All-Star break, once VAR is in play for MLS, what would have happened? Would this still have gotten rescinded? Is MLS going to be in the business of having an independent review panel that can overturn the on-field judgment of the referee and the video judgment of one, too? Because at that point you might as well just add a tagline under the MLS logo that says "We Don't Trust Our Referees Either." What a joke.
I've seen cards shown to players that have thrown punches that didn't connect. How is that not making a decision based on intent?
Whelp, the lesson learned here is that if you make a big enough stink the league will help you out and you won't have to face any real consequences of your actions. SMH
Under the LOTG "striking or attempting to strike an opponent" is a red card. So the action alone (attempting to strike) is a red card without having to know the mindset of the player.
Nit-picky, the "attempting to strike" still has to be done with "excessive force" to be a red card. I mean, I can't imagine a scenario where a careless "attempt to strike" could occur (seems an oxymoron). And the window where a reckless attempt to strike might exist is very, very narrow. So your point pretty much stands. But also important to represent the LOTG correctly, because this is how myths persevere.
I'm baffled that they could get unanimous agreement by the panel that this was a clear and obvious error. I'm shocked. And pretty pissed off. I can only imagine how the MLS referees feel...