PRO Provides A Statement On The Revs' Disallowed Goal Against NYCFC

A PRO spokesperson explains the controversial play from Apr. 1.

Image Courtesy of J. Alexander Dolan

One of the talking points after the New England Revolution’s 1-1 draw against New York City FC on Apr. 1 was Dylan Borrero’s deflected goal being disallowed.

On Tuesday, Apr. 11, the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) issued a statement to The Blazing Musket explaining what happened.

The moment in question came in the 61st minute when Borrero sent in a ball that was re-directed due to NYCFC defender Mitja Ilenic. The home team celebrated, but center referee Ismail Elfath called the goal back, deeming that an offside Gustavo Bou affected goalkeeper Luis Barraza.

Carles Gil ultimately put the Revs up 1-0 in the 70th minute before Talles Magno equalized off a corner kick in the 80th. The disallowed goal was discussed by Revs head coach Bruce Arena in his post-game press conference.

“Not allowing that goal was completely ridiculous,” Arena told the media. “I mean, VAR is supposed to correct mistakes, not create them. That’s completely absurd, the explanation for that.”

He later added, “I think they said Gustavo was in the line of the goalkeeper and the guy wasn’t playing the ball, intentionally. Completely absurd. It’s ridiculous.”

Three days later, Arena was asked to reflect on the 1-1 result. Here, he mentioned that PRO said that the goal should’ve stood.

“It’s disappointing because we could have stolen three points in the game on a day when we didn’t play well and despite the fact that the goal called back was completely ridiculous by any person associated with the sport on the field would understand,” Arena commented. “Maybe the officials and the people that write about it don’t know, but that’s completely ridiculous. And PRO has agreed that the goal should have been allowed.”

On Tuesday, Apr. 11, a PRO spokesperson responded to a request for comment from The Blazing Musket with the following statement:

“This is a situation that will split opinion. There are elements to say that this should be an offside offense and there are elements to say that the position of Gustavo Bou had no impact on the play. 

“Therefore, the VAR was correct to confirm the decision on the field. However, had the referee decided that Bou did not impact the play, and awarded a goal, then PRO would have also expected the VAR to confirm the decision on the field because there was no clear and obvious error to warrant a Video Review.

“In discussion between PRO GM Mark Geiger and Bruce Arena, Mark referenced that due to the height of the ball, it was more likely that the goalkeeper had sight of the ball and he was unable to save the ball because it was re-directed by his own teammate; the preferred outcome would have been for the on-field officials to award the goal.”