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The day after a match featuring plenty of controversy, it’s nice to get a bit of news that makes you feel better about that whole process: Major League Soccer is officially implementing video review through the use of a Video Assistant Referee.
The review process will only be available for four distinct types of events:
- Goals
- Penalty decisions
- Direct red cards
- Cases of mistaken identity
The timing is particularly good, in part because it feels like the MLS Disciplinary Committee and the organization for American referees, PRO, are sometimes at odds. This won’t necessarily clear up obvious differences of opinion, but it could help provide referees a second set of eyes to watch increasingly chaotic matches.
Real Salt Lake’s home match against Houston Dynamo on Aug. 5 will be the first opportunity we have to see it in in-person action.`
We’ll see if this has any palpable impact on matches and refereeing — but don’t be surprised if there’s a fresh share of controversy emanating from the effort.