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MLS official to FC Cincinnati coach: “You guys gave it away”

Post-match Pro-referee comments cause tensions

Image Credit: Scott Huck

There were a number of questionable rulings by officials during FC Cincinnati’s 4-4 draw with New York City FC, including two FCC goals overturned. But things really boiled over following the match.

During his postgame comments, head coach Pat Noonan said one of the assistant referees crossed a line of professionalism.

“I won’t reveal (the conversation), but a total lack of professionalism from the AR,” said Noonan. “Regardless of what we think of the officials on the day, there’s a standard of how you respect each other and the game. I think that respect was lost at that moment. It was a rough day for the officiating crew.”

Brenner who had the first hat trick of his career, had two goals negated Wednesday.

The Brazilian appeared to put the Orange and Blue ahead 2-0 with a nifty back-heeled goal in the 19th minute, but it was ruled the ball went out of bounds before Acosta retrieved it and fed the Brazilian.

Haris Medunjanin approached referee Ismir Pekmic who hails from Medunjanin’s native Bosnia, and addressed him in his native language asking that he look at the play.

“I spoke to him in my language, and said you should go check yourself.” Medunjanin said. “Better go check VAR, it is an important moment, and I don’t think it was totally out.”

Brenner then had a potential winning goal overturned by VAR due to offsides.

When Noonan and Medunjanin approached the officials following the game, one of the officials said, according to Medunjanin, “You guys gave it away, so don’t come to us right now.”

“He crossed the line,” Medunjanin said. “We are fighting for our points here. Now you blame us. It’s disrespectful. The referees should take responsibility. If you mess up, you mess up. We mess up. It was our mistake.”

The officials were roundly booed as they left the pitch following the match, escorted by five police officers.

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