Referees’ organization reprimands officials who changed call in Atlanta United match

As the ball was played to the other side of the field and went out of bounds, the video assistant referee recommended that the referee review the play using a monitor located at the side of the field. He did so and ruled the ball had crossed the line and gave Charlotte their first goal.

After the match, the referee was asked how, without goal-line technology, it was clear and obvious – the criteria that must be met to overturn a decision – that his initial no-goal decision was incorrect?

He responded by writing that the VAR saw an angle that provided sufficient evidence that the entire ball had crossed the line.

A weekly review of controversial decisions by PRO found there was insufficient evidence to recommend a review, meaning the referee’s original no-goal decision should have stood.

Pekmic and Ford worked MLS matches on Saturday.