The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) has issued a statement that an officiating error occurred when a penalty kick was awarded in Columbus Crew SC's 3-2, come-from-behind victory against Orlando City last Saturday.
Both referee Silviu Petrescu and Video Assistant Referee Jon Freemon erred, PRO's statement indicates.
With Orlando City leading 2-1 late, Petrescu awarded a penalty kick after contact from Orlando City defender RJ Allen on Crew SC forward Patrick Mullins. That contact was minimal, PRO has indicated, and did not justify the decision.
Additionally, as part of the Video Review protocol, Freemon checked the penalty decision but did not accurately identify Petrescu's call as a potentially clear and obvious error to initiate a video review.
Gyasi Zardes converted the ensuing penalty in the 88th minute to level the match, before Wil Trapp hit a stunning strike from distance to win it for Columbus in the second minute of stoppage time.
