MLS tells commentators to remain hush on referee issues

Commentators on MLS Season Pass will not be sharing too many opinions on the ongoing referee debacle in the league. As things stand, the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) is in a lockout from the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). PRO determines the match officials for MLS contests, but it is not going with any PSRA officials due to a rejection of a collective bargaining agreement. Consequently, some of the referees PRO has used have come from youth leagues and college officials.

According to a new report from The Athletic, Major League Soccer has told broadcasters to put a cap on comments regarding the situation. That includes omitting any mention that the referees are ‘replacement’ referees. Specifically, MLS told broadcasters not to “belabor the point,” or give it any more time than it needs. Instead, MLS wants broadcasters to save commentary for a brief mention before any games start. Then, that is all the air time the issue needs, according to a memo the league sent out.

“Fans tune in to watch and listen to the game,” the memo read in part. “They aren’t focused on the officials; therefore, we don’t believe it is necessary to belabor the point during the match. It is best to mention the situation in the pregame and move on.”

MLS is in charge of its broadcasts, as it works with IMG to produce the global streams of all games throughout the season. Unsurprisingly, coverage on MLS Season Pass has been supportive of the league rather than critical. Yet, the referees remain a key talking point of the 2024 MLS campaign.

MLS appeased with the performance of referees so far

Two weeks into the MLS season, referees have not been the subject of poor calls. Yet, there has still been some controversy involving the officials. For instance, MLS frantically changed officials just before Inter Miami’s game against Orlando City. Orlando City supporters found a picture of the referee in charge of the game wearing…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-tells-commentators-to-remain-hush-on-referee-issues-20240304-WST-492948.html

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-03-04 21:06:40

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