All MLS games will benefit from video replay after the All-Star Game
During this Saturday’s game between the Montreal Impact and Portland Timbers at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690), MLS and PRO (Professional Referees Organization) will make offline tests of the video assistant referee (VAR) replay system.
Even though the structures linked to this technology will be visible for a majority of supporters and viewers, video replay will not have an impact on this game and the four referees on location will not receive any information coming from these tests during the game.
The structure for the video assistant referee will be located along the touchline, in front of section 123, at the half-way line. Supporters’ view of the pitch around this location will not be obstructed by the new installations.
Other simulations of the video assistant referee will take place during some MLS regular games across the league, until August.
A unique, new system
The video assistant referee will have access to all camera angles of the game used by TV broadcasters, in order to have a second look on some specific decisions of the referee. On Saturday, he will communicate those decisions to a surrogate referee.
After the video review system is implemented, the video assistant referee will be able to intervene with the head referee in four different circumstances during a game: when a goal is scored, when a penalty is awarded, when a straight red card is issued, or for cases of mistaken identity.
Each stadium in MLS will twice test the video replay system before it is officially implemented across all fixtures, after the All-Star Game, which takes place this year in Chicago, on August 2, between the MLS All-Stars and Real Madrid.
