MLS started the season with replacement game officials after the referees’ union rejected a tentative labor agreement with the organization that oversees officiatingGetty Images
As the MLS official's lockout is set to enter its second month this weekend, the league has “put its games in the hands of referees who are clearly overwhelmed and underqualified,” according to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. TIMES. The results have “been embarrassing,” yet the league “continues to gamble its reputation -- not to mention millions of dollars in potential sponsorships and global recognition -- to save the $95,000 per team it would take to bring the regular referees back this season.” Baxter notes that “multiple games have been marred by glaringly missed or incorrect calls” that changed the outcome of the match. He added, imagine MLS replacing a top player such as Inter Miami's Lionel Messi “with a minor league player and trying to pass them off as equals” and that is “exactly what is happening with the officials.” And as the contract negotiations “remain stalemated and the frustration among coaches and players grows,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber has made it clear that “getting things right isn’t nearly as important as winning the showdown with the referees’ union, even if the integrity of the league suffers -- which is already happening.” Baxter writes the fault “lies with the league and Garber for passing the officials off as MLS-worthy. They’re not” (L.A. TIMES, 3/19).
TENSIONS RISING: THE ATHLETIC’s Bogert, Rueter & Cardenas noted it appears the feelings of at least a few coaches and players have reached a boiling point after a spate of controversial decisions.” In CF Montréal’s 4-3 loss to the Fire, Montréal coach Laurent Courtois “took aim directly at the referees.” Courtois: “Twenty-two added minutes, red card on the (Chicago) GK that isn’t given… their third goal came from a corner that shouldn’t have been, their first goal was offside. Something was taken away from my guys.” In the Galaxy’s 3-3 draw with St. Louis City, Galaxy D -- and captain -- Maya Yoshida “put some money on the line” in order to weigh in on the general standard of officiating. Yoshida: “I’m going to get fined. I hope (PSRA) makes a deal with the league as soon as possible. That’s (a) shame. That’s it” (THE ATHLETIC, 3/18).
