2022 MLS Week 24 Referee Discussion

Any comments from the smart ref folks on the PK call in NYRB - COL? I tried to insert a link but didn't do it right.

As a Rapids fan, I think the PK and yellow is fine, but want neutral knowledgeable input.

 

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/pen...ul-lalas-abubakar-colorado-rapids-23rd-minute

 

The VAR check took nearly 4 minutes since they were looking at 2 different things...whether it was a PK and the DOGSO. The decision to rescind the red card for DOGSO was obviously correct with another defender being right there.

It took a full minute to take the PK with the gamesmanship with the Rapids keeper near the shooter. After he was shooed back to the goal line, Fishcher was surrounded by 5 angry Rapids players. Not sure why they were upset and escaped without a caution.

 

I’d really like to see leagues make this a point of emphasis—if the GK comes out from the GA to confront the shooter, automatic caution. It’s just ridiculous, but has become so common that it is hard for any ref to draw line here at the profess Level, as it would seem to come out of nowhere.

 

It's one of those things that's trifling enough that if he gets a 2nd yellow after the a yellow for coming out of the box... well... that 2nd yellow... might as well be an orange.

 

Well, I disagree it’s trifling. It’s becoming ridiculous. But the 2d yellow issue is why individual refs can’t go tilting at windmills. It needs to come from competition authorities, and part of that has to be clear communications to GKs on what the expectation and consequences are. And if GK’s are then stupid enough to do it, the 2d caution issue is on the GK.
This kind of ties to what seems to be a growing issue. The posers that be are so concerned about send offs that standards keep getting reduced—and that creates a downward spiral in behavior, as players will always test the boundaries. So when the boundaries are moved to reduce discipline, behaviors move down to the new boundaries and push those.

 

I'd like to see before a penalty is taken, a free taunt by the keeper and the kicker at each other. Make it formal, and time constrained, that way we can get our pageantry without the misconduct.

 

I agree with you. I just say it's trifling because it's never cautioned or dealt with.

 

As MLS and PRO have shown this year, all it takes is a public point of emphasis and clear support of the referees when they follow the points, and behavior can change.

The keeper has no business being anywhere outside of the goal area as a penalty kick is prepared. If the expectation is a caution and referees who issue ones are supported, you won’t see it happen again.

 

I have to say I really like Drew Fischer and how he handles himself. He is a a great example of a steady presence- not too excited and doesn’t escalate intense situations.

very clear and authoritative without being dramatic. I’m not sure if it’s natural or learned (probably both) but his stature and presentation are outstanding.

 

Kevin Stott is so, so good at using VAR. And it’s pretty obvious from watching several of these that he’s “coached” his VARs in pregame about what he wants to see. When you compare this to the jumbled mess that a lot of VAR reviews seem to be in England (and I know we don’t have this transparency yet with EPL/PGMOL), it’s striking.

 

Yeah. It just seems like he already has figured out exactly what he needs to see and in what order before the VAR has even figured out what to show him at the review area. He’s so focused and efficient at the monitor.

 

Most VARs have something they do or say to let the room know this is a real check. Games can be long and it is not uncommon for a VAR to “check” something outside the protocol during one of the lulls so they might give some feedback after game (for example a var may look at a close offside decision so they can tell the AR later if it was right or wrong). But there is always something to let the room know it’s “time to go to work” as everyone has different responsibility at that time