MLS ‘told TV and radio broadcasters to avoid discussing replacement referees’ and not to ‘belabor the point’ as the lockout between the league and officials extends past Matchday 2

As the lockout between the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) continues, Major League Soccer has apparently told broadcasters to avoid the topic as much as possible.

The PRO (which employs referees across the country) has been locked in a contract dispute with the PSRA (the union representing referees) for several weeks. The first two weeks of matches have had substitute referees.

But in a note obtained by Jeff Rueter of The Athletic and verified by multiple sources, MLS asked radio and television stations not to “press the issue” when discussing the lockout.

“Fans tune in to watch and listen to the game,” the memo said. ‘They don’t focus on officials; Therefore, we do not believe it is necessary to insist on this point during the match.

“It’s better to mention the situation before the game and move on.”

Negotiations between the referees’ employers and their union continue

Replacement referees have been used in the first two weeks of the 2024 MLS season

That memo also advised broadcasters to refer to substitute referees only as “referees, no other description necessary” except their name, where they are from, and their experience as a referee.

Additionally, the memo included “example language” to describe situations and the multiple new additions to the refereeing experience (such as in-stadium VAR announcements) that have been delayed due to the lockout.

They were also advised to “agree or disagree” with controversial decisions, but not to imply that the substitute referees were “the reason” for said controversy.

There have already been a number of controversies with the quality of the referees and the substitute referees themselves.

Two examples involve Inter Miami. In their match on the second day, LA Galaxy was left with ten men after a controversial second yellow card to Marco Delgado in the 87th minute. Just five minutes later, Lionel Messi scored a goal to tie the match at 1-1 and steal a point .

Ahead of their third game of the season against rivals Orlando City, the PRO-assigned central referee was replaced after photos emerged of said referee wearing an Inter Miami jersey this winter.

According to The Athletic, MLS executives were “satisfied with the performance” of the substitute referees during the first weekend.

The PRO and PSRA have been blocked since February 18 after two temporary extensions expired and the PSRA rejected a proposal from negotiators.