LA Galaxy midfielder Mark Delgado was left speechless by an MLS replacement referee's decision to send him off over a ghost foul on Sergio Busquets.
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Late sending off over ghost foul gave Herons advantageMessi scored stoppage-time equalizerMLS and PRO locking out PSRA, using replacement refereesWHAT HAPPENED?
In the 87th minute of the Galaxy's home-opener against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, Delgado was sent off for a second yellow card offense for a seemingly non-existent foul on Sergio Busquets. Just minutes later, the 10-man Galaxy conceded an equalizer in stoppage-time to the Argentine maestro himself.
In a reaction to the center referee showing him the red card, Delgado appeared to make a money symbol with his hands aimed at the official as he exited the pitch.
The officiating crew from the match Sunday evening had never refereed an MLS-level match before, as a result of the ongoing lockout involving the league's officials.
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The Galaxy midfielder posted that he was speechless on social media after being issued a second yellow card for the non-existent foul.
USA Today Sports THE BIGGER PICTURE
Throughout the first matchweek of the MLS season, the league was forced to use replacement referees instead of selecting from the 240+ members of the Professional Soccer Referees Organization (PSRA). The Professional Referees Organization (PRO) have locked out the PSRA as the two sides clash over an ongoing debate surrounding a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
MLS is standing firm with PRO during negotiations, but the three parties are reportedly set to return to the bargaining table on Wednesday, February 28. However, if no agreement is immediately struck, the league could go forth with a second matchweek featuring officials from the Division-1 College level, MLS NEXT Pro and various levels of the USL.
USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI AND THE LA GALAXY?
Inter Miami will clash against South Florida rivals Orlando City this weekend as they look for their second win of the campaign. The Galaxy, meanwhile, will hit the road for the against the San Jose Earthquakes.