I’m sure I’m in the minority but I hate this look. As I watched this game unfold I kept thinking he’s doing a good job identifying fouls and cards but nobody is buying what he’s selling and he had no other tool to manage players than scram obscenities in their face. I’m not absolving player behavior but how would we expect them to react if we’re cussing them out? Unfortunately, MLS in November isn’t a video test and simply differentiating between careless/reckless/excessive isn’t always enough
I tend to agree and I certainly think those of us below the professional ranks should not go there. But if Rs in pro games can’t/aren’t supposed sanction those who swear at them, I’m more ambivalent when it comes to them giving it back.
I like it because it’s out of character for him. It shows he has range with his player management. If this was a go-to move, he’d have issues. But it’s not. And I think it was actually deployed well here.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/how-yellow-card-accumulation-works-mls-cup-playoffs I don’t know if it’s changed this year but I have to imagine this is a factor, both for referees and players. no, this shouldn’t be the default in dealing with players at any level and in most levels it should never be done. here? well, it worked. Odds that a player would rather get cussed at than risk being suspended for a conference final? I’m going to say pretty good. Also (and I have to tell myself this a lot): yes, emotions run high, but most of what players do on the fields is controlled, intentional and done for a specific purpose. Most recognize when a referee does it. I’m sure we all have our own experience - I’ve heard “don’t you f*****g DARE do that again” in place of a booking more than once (it usually worked, FWIW).