The Red Card Issue In Major League Soccer

Over the course of the last few decades, the standard of play in Major League Soccer has increased and improved dramatically. We’re at a point now where world class stars are making the decision to come over and play in the league, and we honestly believe it’s not just for the money anymore. They recognise that there’s something of a movement taking place in the United States, and their momentum isn’t going to slow down anytime soon.

An awkward subject

Of course, there are issues that still need to be corrected, and that seems to be the case in most areas of the football world these days. It is far from a perfect sport and we’ll be the first ones to admit that, because if you don’t admit that, then you’re just not being honest with yourself. Having things that need fixing allows the league to aim towards something, building towards a much more successful trajectory.

The following reports from MLS Multiplex and The Washington Post detail a few of the games that took place throughout the course of this weekend’s action in the MLS, running down the most important ‘pieces of the puzzle’ so to speak. However, across these games and the many others that were played in the last few days, we’ve spotted a pattern – and it isn’t a particularly good one.

In the last eight games of play in Major League Soccer, there have been four red cards – meaning that exactly half of the aforementioned games featured a man being sent off. Now whilst some may put this down to being nothing more than a ‘bad weekend at the office’, it’s a theme that has been following the league round for as long as we can remember. In truth we think there are probably two factors (above all others) that are contributing to the issue: overly sensitive referees, and players who don’t know when to use their heads over their heart. We aren’t necessarily suggesting that they should always aim to play it smart, either, but just that it’s obvious to see they’re committing a little bit too much to some of their challenges.

Leading by example?

When you think of the sporting landscape of North America, it’s kind of hard to deny that violence plays a big role in it. Ice hockey features fights that are pretty much licensed by all, the NFL is littered with issues regarding physicality, and MMA & boxing are both incredibly important there.

There needs to be some kind of change of pace implemented, and if the players and teams aren’t willing to do it, then the league itself needs to take action. It’s not going to be long before this reputation starts becoming permanent, which could throw players off the idea of playing in the MLS. There’s no guarantee behind that, but all you need to do is watch one or two games of MLS action to understand what we’re talking about.

We aren’t being sensitive, we just want the best product imaginable.