The Inter Miami – Orlando City game was going to be refereed by Guiherme Ceretta, until a picture emerged of him posing in a Herons shirt.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Mar 2nd, 2024 16:28 EST0
CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICHEFE
There was a late change to the starting line-ups ahead of Inter Miami’s MLS clash against Orlando City. On the day of the game the referee was replaced after a photograph emerged of him wearing an Inter Miami jersey.
The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) are still at odds over a pay dispute. No PSRA members have officiated games in MLS this season, forcing the league to find replacement referees.
The Miami-Orlando clash was supposed to be (replacement) refereed by Guiherme Ceretta and his appointment had already been confirmed by PRO. However shortly before the game photos came to light online which showed Ceretta wearing an Inter Miami jersey.
Your scab referee for #MIAvORL, folks!@TheManeLand @EvanLWeston @alonso_purple @GavinEwbank #InterMiamiCF #OrlandoCity https://t.co/G8VcXXBH4g pic.twitter.com/tsWSlZEIGG
— MLS Referee Stats (@MLSRefStats) March 2, 2024
The photo was posted on social media on Saturday morning and the reassignment was made within hours.
“Referee Guiherme Ceretta was removed from the game due to a potential conflict,” PRO told The Athletic in a statement.
