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Look, we all saw the play and we all have our opinions of both the decision to send off Rafael Ramos in last night’s match, and on Ted Unkel as a soccer referee in general. From the non-partisan soccer fan, Unkel ruined what could have turned into an entertaining match between two of the Eastern Conference’s contending teams.
What we got instead was a tedious 60+ minutes of one side laboriously trying to break through a team heavily fortified behind its bunker. It couldn’t have been a good advertisement for the MLS product. Orlando City fans hated it for obvious reasons. Chicago Fire fans probably felt their team had a better shot to score if Orlando was willing to bring numbers — any numbers — forward.
Here’s how the soccer and media community reacted to the decision:
Ted Unkel ladies and gentleman. Always makes himself a major part of the match. #ORLvCHI
— Christian Bruey (@CBrueyWFTV) June 5, 2017
Did Ted Unkel just give a red card for inadvertent and not all that dangerous contact? ...
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) June 5, 2017
He did.
Not sure how Ted Unkel issues a red card to Rafael Ramos on that play. He lost the plot and ruined the game just 28 minutes in
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 5, 2017
FINAL-Orlando City 0, Fire 0. Nine-man Lions hold on for a well-earned pt. PRO might want to give Ted Unkel a week off. Shocking decisions
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 5, 2017
On a national TV Sunday night game, no less. What an advertisement for MLS. https://t.co/A7OXKrkkrx
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) June 5, 2017
The red card against @rafaelramos_27 is probably one of the worst decisions I've seen. Not good enough!
— Harrison Heath (@harrisonheathy1) June 5, 2017
Feeling for Rafa. Disagree with that call, big time!
— Alanna Kennedy (@AlannaKennedy) June 5, 2017
No. Complete jokes. He didn't even see him..watching the ball the entire time. https://t.co/aGYxVX8tHN
— Ali Krieger (@alikrieger) June 5, 2017
Dude. Just no. No no no never ever is this a red. https://t.co/bW9sEq7ywA
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) June 5, 2017
♂️ ♂️ https://t.co/81Bx1rtdu5
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 5, 2017
If players get yellows and reds with suspensions then other professions should get the same for not doing their job correctly #uphillbattle
— Kristen Edmonds (@Kris10edmonds) June 5, 2017
The Man From Uncle......enough said! The players and our fans have been fantastic!!! #VamosOrlando #TRBOOBT
— philip rawlins (@OCPres) June 5, 2017
And obviously, Ramos himself appreciated the remarks of Orlando City’s fans and his colleagues who offered their support.
I have no words for the love that you show me! It feels so good knowing that you guys always have my back! Thank you so much @OrlandoCitySC
— Rafael Ramos (@rafaelramos_27) June 5, 2017