The Professional Referees Organization (PRO) has formally apologized to Bay FC for at least two erroneous VAR interventions during May fixtures, underscoring a rare public acknowledgment of officiating lapses in the league.
On May 15, a penalty was awarded to the Legacy after incidental contact between Bay keeper Jordan Silkowitz and Legacy forward Aissata Traoré, a call that leveled the match at 1-1. The decision drew immediate scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
Controversial Offside Call
A week later, Bay FC saw a potential game‑winning goal by Cristiana Girelli disallowed following an offside flag, allowing the Stars to secure a 1-0 victory. The incident added fuel to ongoing debates about the consistency of video review in the league.
Both PRO and Bay FC declined to comment on the specifics of the email that detailed the VAR errors, leaving many questions unanswered about the internal review process and the criteria used to assess each call.
Standings and Stakes
Currently positioned 13th in the table, Bay FC sits six points outside the playoff picture, making every remaining match critical. The upcoming Sunday showdown against the Legacy in Rhode Island offers a chance to climb the standings and perhaps restore confidence in the team's performance.
The league's governing bodies have indicated a willingness to review the VAR process, but for now the focus remains on the field, where Bay FC hopes to translate the apology into tangible improvement as the season progresses.