The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) released a statement Tuesday regarding the penalty decision in the 86th minute of Orlando City’s 3-2 loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
“The referee awarded a penalty kick after contact from Orlando City SC defender RJ Allen on Crew SC forward Patrick Mullins,” the statement said. “PRO believes the minimal amount of contact between the players did not justify this decision.”
Referee Silviu Petrescu awarded the penalty when the Lions were up 2-1. The Lions immediately protested — left back Mohamed El-Munir was booked for dissent — but Crew striker Gyasi Zardes converted from the spot and leveled the match, which the Crew went on to win.