When Mark Delgado, midfielder of LA Galaxy was shown a second yellow card and a red card in the 63rd minute of a heated MLS showdown against Inter Miami at Dignity Health Sports Park, the league’s officiating standards were thrust into the spotlight. The incident stemmed from a challenge on Sergio Busquets, a veteran midfielder who had joined Inter Miami on a short‑term loan, and it quickly spiraled into a controversy that even Busquets himself later described as “unfair”. Adding fuel to the fire, former USMNT star Landon Donovan took to social media to back Delgado, calling the dismissal “a ghost foul that shouldn’t have existed”. The match—played on July 7 2024—ended 2‑1 in favor of Inter Miami, but the real story was the uproar over a decision many called bizarre.
Background: MLS Refereeing and Recent Tensions
MLS has spent the past three seasons tightening its officiating protocols, introducing VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and a new referee training academy in 2022. Yet critics argue that consistency remains elusive, especially in high‑stakes matches involving marquee players. Last season’s controversial handball call in the Seattle‑Portland derby sparked a league‑wide review, and the Delgado incident is now the latest chapter in that ongoing debate.
Match‑day Details: What Actually Happened
The game started with LA Galaxy pressing early, creating several chances before Inter Miami settled into a disciplined shape. In the 27th minute, Inter Miami’s forward scored, putting the visitors ahead. LA Galaxy equalized at the 44th minute through a header by David Bellinger. The tension built steadily, and by the 61st minute Delgado received his first yellow for a reckless slide on a Miami defender.
Two minutes later, Delgado slid into Busquets as the Spanish veteran attempted to control a through ball. Referee Jorge Mendoza immediately reached for his pocketbook, issuing a second yellow that resulted in Delgado’s dismissal. Replays showed Busquets holding his arm up in apparent pain, but multiple analysts noted that there was minimal contact—hence the “ghost foul” tag that quickly spread on fan forums.
Voices from the Field: Players, Coaches, and Fans React
Busquets, a World Cup winner with Spain, took to his Instagram Story minutes after the match: “I didn’t feel a hit. The decision was harsh, and I hope the league reviews it.” His comment added legitimacy to the outcry because it came from a player known for his calm, analytical demeanor.
LA Galaxy head coach Gregg Berhalter defended his midfielder in a post‑match press conference, saying, “Mark played with heart. The second yellow felt like a misinterpretation of the play.” Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s manager Markus Gisdol remained diplomatic: “We respect the officials, but we also understand why fans are upset.”
On Twitter, the hashtag #GhostFoul trended for several hours, drawing in former players, pundits, and casual supporters alike. Landon Donovan posted, “Kids, don’t let a bad call ruin your love for the game. Mark deserved better.” The former USMNT star’s endorsement sparked a wave of supportive comments from younger MLS fans who view him as a role model.
MLS’s Official Response and the Referee Review Process
Within 24 hours, MLS issued a statement: “The league is reviewing the incident involving Mark Delgado and Sergio Busquets. We are committed to transparency and will release findings once the referee’s match report is examined.” The league’s Director of Refereeing, Jillian Keller, later clarified that VAR was not activated because the on‑field call was deemed “obvious” by the protocol handbook—a decision now under fire.
Legal experts point out that MLS’s collective bargaining agreement allows for post‑match disciplinary reviews, but overturning a red card is rare. If the review concludes the second yellow was unwarranted, Delgado could be reinstated, and the referee might face a suspension.
Why This Matters: Impact on Players, Teams, and the League
For Delgado, missing the final ten games of the regular season means losing crucial minutes that could affect his contract negotiations. LA Galaxy’s playoff hopes are also in jeopardy; the team sits fourth in the Western Conference, just one point ahead of the fifth‑place team. Inter Miami, while gaining a win, faces criticism for allegedly influencing the decision by appealing for a harsher punishment during the game.
Beyond the immediate teams, the episode highlights a broader issue: fan trust in officiating. A 2023 fan survey by ESPN showed that 62 % of MLS supporters believed referees were “inconsistent”. Incidents like this could erode that trust further unless the league demonstrates a willingness to correct mistakes.
What’s Next? Upcoming Matches and Potential Repercussions
LA Galaxy’s next fixture is against the Seattle Sounders on July 14, a match many argue could determine whether the club stays in contention for the playoffs. If Delgado’s suspension is lifted, the coach is expected to reintegrate him immediately.
Meanwhile, MLS has announced a “referee transparency panel” to meet next week, featuring former players, analysts, and officials. The panel’s mandate: review contentious calls from the past month, including the Delgado‑Busquets incident, and recommend policy tweaks.
Key Takeaways
- Mark Delgado received a second yellow and a red card for a challenge on Sergio Busquets on July 7, 2024.
- Both players, plus former USMNT star Landon Donovan, called the decision “unfair” and “a ghost foul”.
- MLS launched an official review, highlighting ongoing concerns about referee consistency.
- The outcome could affect LA Galaxy’s playoff push and Delgado’s contract negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the controversy affect LA Galaxy’s playoff chances?
Losing Delgado for the next three games reduces the Galaxy’s midfield depth, potentially costing them points in a tightly contested Western Conference. If the red‑card appeal succeeds, the team could regain a key playmaker ahead of a crucial match against Seattle.
What did Sergio Busquets say about the foul?
Busquets posted on Instagram that he felt no significant contact and described the call as “harsh”. His remarks added credibility to the criticism because he is widely respected for his tactical awareness and rarely comments on officiating.
Can MLS overturn the red card?
Yes, the league can rescind the disciplinary action if the post‑match review finds the second yellow was erroneous. However, overturns are uncommon and require clear evidence that the on‑field decision breached the officiating handbook.
Why did Landon Donovan support Delgado?
Donovan, a former USMNT star, warned young fans not to let a bad call dampen their love for soccer. He highlighted Delgado’s work ethic and argued the foul was “non‑existent”, echoing concerns from many players about inconsistent refereeing.
What changes could MLS make to avoid future controversies?
Analysts suggest expanding VAR use to include more borderline challenges, improving referee training on head‑butt and foul interpretation, and publishing detailed post‑match referee reports. The upcoming transparency panel may recommend some of these steps.
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