Editorial: The USL is creating more questions than answers with disciplinary decisions
Recent USL disciplinary decisions have left some fans scratching their heads.
To say that the choices by referees in the USL in the last month have been questionable would be an understatement. To say that the choices by referees in the USL in the last month have been confusing would be an understatement. To say that the choices by referees in the USL in the last month have troubling might be right on point. Following the blatant elbow by Carlos Alvarez of Las Vegas Lights FC last week, it’s time for the USL to take a look at their referees and the rules of the game.
The USL Disciplinary Report came out earlier today. The report explains suspensions or repeals given to players as a result of the previous week’s games. Two names many were looking to see were Junior Flemmings from Tampa Bay Rowdies and Carlos Alvarez from Las Vegas Lights FC. Both players received straight red cards on varying ends of the spectrum.
Junior Flemmings
— Tampa Bay Rowdies (@TampaBayRowdies) July 29, 2018
Flemmings foul and the eventual red card is oddly a great example of something that was called wrong in the game and called correctly in the USL Disciplinary Report. While you strive to not rely on the league to fix the problems caused by referees, this is a step in the right direction as USSF was able to clearly see that the call was incorrect and prevent further issues for the team. This game, in particular, is a part of a much larger problem and something that the USL needs to look at.
For now, Tampa Bay Rowdies fans can take joy that the league ended up with at least one correct choice in this week’s report.
Carlos Alvarez
Being talked about on @thebgnfm Slack right now: this Carlos Alvarez red is SO much worse than what led to the Welshman suspension. @USL had better give this 3 games—or more if possible. Any less & I join Cincy fans in outcry. @cincysoccertalk pic.twitter.com/xYWliO5IBu
— Phillip Grooms ?⚜️ (@phillgrooms) July 27, 2018
Sometimes, soccer is a game of trying to goad another player into fouling you by being extra physical or using gamesmanship. That level of bending the rules is not even close to the uncalled for assault motion that Carlos Alvarez committed on an unsuspecting Seattle Sounders FC 2 player last week. Comparing it to a similar situation with the infamous Welshman throwdown with FCC, Alvarez makes no effort to hide his intentions with his elbow. The ball already being played away from the actual location where the elbow was delivered by Alvarez makes the situation even worse.
The problem brewing
It’s a problem that extends beyond the United Soccer League. PRO referees are struggling to make accurate calls in the pace of the game, as a result, it has begun to affect results on the field. For the Rowdies, you can argue that the 2-2 result during the match against the Red Bulls wouldn’t have been changed if Junior Flemmings hadn’t been given a red card and in some cases, you might be right. Unfortunately, for punishments in a sporting event, you can’t live in what ifs.
With questionable calls leading to dismissals, the league and referees are experimenting with the “What Ifs” of soccer matches. These include but aren’t limited to the Jack McInerney shove during the first game in Lucas Oil Stadium for Indy Eleven, Junior Flemmings red card this past week, Emery Welshman’s three-game suspension, and now Carlos Alvarez’s puzzling three-game suspension. The USL has begun to take away the bar for punishments and made the water murky for understanding what can cause a player to be suspended.
A growing wave
This is a wave that is only growing in intensity. There should be a clear and concise method that allows for fans, players, coaches, and teams to understand what the punishment process is. Whether you agree with any of the calls or final decisions made, we can all agree that they are all in different areas of the spectrum for punishments. These problems are also growing based on the fact that it seems that some referees are okay with the idea of giving yellows out and allowing for the USL Disciplinary Committee to “fix” whatever they might have missed during the course of the game.
At this time, it’s unclear who controls appeals. Many believe that USL does it internally while some have cited the rule MLS uses by saying US Soccer handles appeals of red cards.
USL is allowing a dangerous precedent to be set by allowing for this fluctuating punishment system that can either reward or overly punish players who may or may not deserve it. USL, however, doesn’t seem intent on adjusting or holding a conversation with the rule enforcers. Until that happens, this wave will grow and eventually crash down causing more issues, damaging, and destruction than we’d like to see.
Surf’s up, USL.
