The Professional Referee Organization expanded on decisions made by referee Kevin Stott in Atlanta United’s 1-0 win against NYCFC in last week’s Eastern Conference playoff semifinal game at Yankee Stadium.
PRO was asked by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more information on decisions that overturned a goal scored by Miguel Almiron in the first half, as well as a studs-up foul committed by NYCFC’s David Villa against fullback Greg Garza in the second half that did not result in a card.
Here is video of Almiron’s goal:
PRO said this about Stott’s decision:
“The offside review was very clear and obvious. Almiron was much closer to the goal line than the second-to-last New York City FC defender.”
Here is video of Villa’s foul against Garza:
PRO said this about Stott’s decision:
“Regarding the incident with David Villa and Greg Garza, this was a judgement call between the issuing a yellow card for a reckless challenge or the issuing of a red card for serious foul play. As such, opinions could be split. The issuing of a yellow card in this instance is not a clear and obvious error. Villa makes an attempt to connect with a dropping ball. However, he arrives late and makes contact with the opponent. This is reckless and worthy of a yellow card, but the force used falls short of excessive. The non-issuing of a red card in this situation does not meet the threshold for a clear and obvious error.”
Villa did not receive a yellow card for the play.
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