Referee's misstep sparks chaos in MLS playoff clash
6:17 PM EST, November 7, 2023
An outrageous incident unfolded during the MLS American league playoffs. Near the end of the match, the referee ran into a Vancouver Whitecaps player who was preparing to shoot. The player fell to the ground, prompting a counterattack from the opposing team. The outraged Vancouver players surrounded the referee, tugging at his shirt.
Between Sunday night and Monday morning ET, an MLS playoff was held where the Vancouver Whitecaps hosted Los Angeles FC. The visitors took the lead in the 24th minute, and the Vancouver team was eager to avoid defeat.
The corner kick taken during added time was one of the last opportunities to level the game. Vancouver's goalkeeper, Yohei Takaoka, even ventured into the opponent's penalty area. Los Angeles FC defenders cleared the ball away from the penalty area as a player from the home team sprinted towards it.
An unusual incident ensued. Timothy Ford, the game's referee, obstructed the path of the oncoming player. The Vancouver player fell, and a moment later, Los Angeles players grabbed the ball and dashed towards the opposite goal, scoring a second goal.
The anger of Vancouver's players peaked at this point. The footage reveals several players surrounding the referee, who found himself in a precarious situation. The players began forcefully tugging at the referee's shirt. Vanni Sartini, the home team's coach, was also livid on the sidelines.
Ultimately, after VAR analysis, the goal was not accepted. The rules explicitly state that if a referee unintentionally obstructs players, the game should be halted immediately. However, Timothy Ford did not adhere to this rule. The occurrence of this unusual event at such a crucial point in the game led to the fury of the home team.
"Honestly, I don't understand. We had possession of the ball and lost it because of him. I don't know why he didn't give us the ball right away," an irate Sartini commented at a press conference.
The fact that the controversial goal was disqualified did not benefit the Vancouver team, as they eventually suffered a 0:1 defeat.
