One of my biggest gripes with the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals was the officiating. Was Kevin Stott consistent in his calls? Sure. But consistency doesn’t equate to quality. For example, Lil’ Pump’s music is very much consistently wack.
The most egregious call in New York City FC’s home matchup against Atlanta United was, in my opinion, Stott’s ruling of a high boot on a play that ultimately would have resulted in a goal and given NYCFC much better odds going into Mercedes-Benz Stadium this upcoming weekend.
Here’s the play in question:
With several players still in advanced positions following a corner, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi plays in a cross that is deflected by Atlanta’s Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.