There seems to be a growing tendency, especially in MLS, where referees seem to feel that non-calls are better than bad calls.
MLS Cup, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado Rapids: Refs Need To Realize Non-Calls Can Be As Bad As Bad Calls
Usually, this comes in the form of not wanting to give penalties or second yellows. We’ve seen multiple examples during the MLS playoffs, the latest of which came tonight.
In case you missed our earlier update the incident happened when Jair Benitez and Conor Casey were fighting for a ball inside the FC Dallas penalty area. Casey tugged on Benitez, who followed that up by obviously tripping Casey. One way or another, it was a foul. Either Casey should have been called for the first foul or been given a penalty for the second.
Of course, Baldermo Toledo went with option No. 3: Do nothing.
The problem with the third option is that it basically rewards both players and encourages similarly cynical play. That kind of play ruins the flow of the game and makes MLS harder to watch than it has to be.
It shouldn’t matter that this is a championship game. If it’s a penalty in Week 1, it should be a penalty in every game.
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