Wayne Rooney hits out at MLS rules after DC United denied clear goal
D.C. United head coach Wayne Rooney claims "it's crazy" that MLS doesn't use goal-line technology after a controversial decision went against his side in a defeat to Philadelphia Union.
Rooney's MLS team were 3-0 down at half-time with goals from Mikale Uhre, Jack McGlynn and a penalty goal from Daniel Gazdag all but sealing the club's fate.
Just minutes into the second half, with Rooney's team determined to level the score, a chance fell to former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Liverpool striker Christian Benteke. The ball was chipped into the box with the Belgian forward gifted a free header at goal.
His header fell straight into the path of Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake who made the save, with the ball seemingly crossing the line in the process.
Referee Marcos de Oliveira deemed that the whole ball hadn't crossed the line, with the video assistant referee also declining to recommend a review, allowing play to quickly resume.
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The commentary team were also left to agree with the decision, saying: "Oh that's close, I don't know if there's enough to be able to say it does (cross the line). I think Blake's done enough to keep it out."
With no goal-line technology in place the match officials were unable to verify the decision which left Rooney incensed after full-time.
Christian Benteke came inches away from giving D.C. United a crucial goal (Major League Soccer YouTube)
Benteke's shot was deemed to have not crossed the line (Major League Soccer YouTube)“It’s crazy,” Rooney said after full-time when asked about the decision. “In this day and age, they don’t have the goal-line technology.”
Despite the result, and the decision, Rooney claimed that his team performed well in the game, with a goal from Theodore Ku-DiPietro coming late to spare the team's blushes.
“I thought actually with the ball we caused Philadelphia a lot of problems,” Rooney said. “We got into some great areas. But if you give the goals away we gave away, then you’re not going to win games.”
D.C. United captain Steven Birnbaum echoed Rooney's thoughts after the game. “It’s tough because we felt in both of the draws we had great possession,” he added.
“Even tonight, we had good possession. I felt like we were in control of our game — just silly mistakes for the goals.”
D.C. United currently sit tenth in the MLS Eastern Conference and are just two points away from Chicago in a final series play-off place. The team plays Chicago next in the league on Sunday Sept. 3.
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