Question Number: 33399

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/28/2019

RE: Professional

David LICHTMAN of NEW ROCHELLE, NY United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33398

Here's a link to the video:

https://twitter.com/univisionsports/status/1132384098696044545?s=21

Impossible to tell if his punch was over the line, but also hard to say if it was likely the offensive player would have likely gained any possession.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi David ,
Sorry the video is not allowing us to view it? In cases where a referee would be unsure we DO NOT look for the foul, it becomes doubtful and if your appraisal the opponent was not truly seriously disadvantaged then again what reason to see it as unfair? Sounds possibly like a no call is the best call.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi David,
I can't view the video either but as ref Dawson says, in situations where it is not even clear that an offence has truly occurred then it's probably wiser not to call it.

Also, from what I can tell this was an MLS game with VAR in use so if it was a potential DOGSO handling situation it would have been reviewed and since there was nothing mentioned about this incident in the game reports I've seen, I can only assume no offence was detected.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
With the use of VAR, obvious situations get reviewed / checked and called if required.
While we have been unable to view the video due to country restrictions I would be confident that the correct decision or the *best* decision was made here based on what could be seen on video.
From your description the uncertainty here puts in the doubtful category which can mean that the no call is the best call that can be made.
Interestingly the highlights video did not cover the incident so that in itself has a message!