![MLS Referee (Source : X)](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/sportsinfo/media/media_files/niTi9UY258iCxz1Se4kK.png)
This summer, when intense international competitions such as the UEFA Euro 2024 as well as Copa America get underway, football fans can find a little relief and humour in the MLS. The MLS, which is semi-jokingly known as the place where a few of the greatest football players in the world retire, unexpectedly gave supporters an unforgettable experience on Saturday night.
The moment was more the product of one very feisty referee named Filip Dujic's wit and humour than it was of tactical or technical genius. Over the weekend, in Atlanta United's 1-1 tie with St. Louis CITY SC, MLS referee Filip Dujic decided to clarify a VAR decision regarding St. Louis's possible goal during the 39th minute. What was supposed to be a routine surgery became quite the comedic moment under Dujic's brief limelight.
The challenge made by St. Louis player Eduard Lowen on Atlanta's Tristan Muyumba during the attack was flagged as a foul by the VAR team during the video review, which resulted in the goal being disallowed and a free kick being given in its place. After the call, the audience was not exactly thrilled, but then again, the referee was merely performing his job and maybe having a little fun as well.
The exact statement from the referee was as follows, “After review, there was no offside offence. However, prior to the goal, there was a foul committed by St. Louis. The final decision is a direct free kick.”
🇺🇲🔊 The referee announces to the stadium the outcome of a VAR decision during an MLS game.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 23, 2024
pic.twitter.com/y1WhkfVfD7
Weston Mckennie set to join MLS during the summer?
FC Cincinnati has reportedly made an attempt to entice McKennie back to the US and the top league in the nation, per a report by Kristian Dyer on USA Today's Pro Soccer Wire. According to a report, FC Cincinnati, which presently owns the second-highest record in Major League Baseball, has put in a proposal for the Juventus player, stating that they are "willing to pay as much as $15 million" in terms of transfer fees.
The 25-year-old McKennie would probably need to be paid among the best in the league by FC Cincinnati, given how the final round of contract discussions went ahead of a possible move.