There was plenty of refereeing controversy in the highly anticipated MLS showdown between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami Saturday evening.
Miami felt aggrieved over not being awarded a penalty in the second-half when Fafà Picault was taken down in the box.
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Yet the visitors from Cincinnati were equally dismayed when a stoppage-time Miles Robinson game-winning goal was disallowed for what some perceive to be a soft foul on Noah Allen.
Both sets of players remonstrated with the referee after the match, with plenty of fans online making the case that Cincinnati should have been awarded the dramatic game-winning goal.
After the match in South Florida Saturday evening, PRO — the MLS referees organization — issued a response to reporters backing up their decision to rule out the goal.
“The referee observed a foul committed by #12 Miles Robinson of FC Cincinnati against #32 Noah Allen of Inter Miami, making clear contact with the face,” the statement read.
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“The referee delayed the whistle the allow the opportunity for VAR to review for a possible goal. After a VAR check, the referee’s decision was confirmed.”
Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan remained level-headed in his response after the goalless draw, but nonetheless confirmed that he believed the goal should have stood.
A win would have seen Cincinnati remain in first place in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield race. Having dropped points, Noonan’s side slipped into second to finish the weekend.
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