Controversial Offside Decision Costs New England Revolution in Match against New York Red Bulls

 Controversial Offside Decision Costs New England Revolution in Match against New York Red Bulls

Controversial Offside Decision in MLS(Image-Getty)

The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) has admitted to an error in the match between the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution on Matchday 24, held at Red Bull Arena.

In the 93rd minute, New England defender Andrew Farrell's goal, which would have equalized the score in their 2-1 defeat, was incorrectly disallowed for offside after Video Review, according to PRO. PRO stated that the goal should have been allowed as it was deflected by a Red Bull defender.

Had Farrell's goal been counted, New England would have secured a draw against RBNY despite playing with ten men following Latif Blessing's red card in the 60th minute.

PRO has issued the following statement regarding the incident:

During the MLS match between the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution on July 8, an officiating error occurred in the third minute of additional time at the end of the second half, where a goal was mistakenly disallowed.

Andrew Farrell of New England scored a goal, with Giacomo Vrioni of New England being in an offside position between Farrell and New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. As the ball approached Tom Barlow of New York, he touched it, causing Coronel to miss it, resulting in the ball entering the goal.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the footage but failed to observe the deflection and believed the goalkeeper was influenced by Vrioni's offside position. Consequently, an on-field review was recommended. The referee, who also didn't witness the deflection, accepted the review, leading to the disallowed goal.

PRO acknowledges the error and recognizes that the goal should have been allowed.

Following the Eastern Conference showdown, Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena expressed his belief that "the goal should have been allowed" and expressed frustration over similar offside decisions affecting New England in 2023. Andrew Farrell also voiced his dissatisfaction on social media.

Despite the defeat, New England remains in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. A draw would have brought them level on 38 points with Nashville SC.