Xavier Kouassi’s red card gets rescinded

After using Video Review, referee Silviu Petrescu decided to eject Xaiver Kouassi for a foul he committed while playing against Orlando City SC. Two days later the Independent Panel rescinded the red card.

In 10th minute of Wednesday’s game, Petrescu went to the sideline on a recommendation from Video Assistant Referee José Carlos Rivero. Rivero believed that Kouassi might have committed a serious foul on Seb Hines. Upon review, Petrescu returned to the field brandishing a red card.

The call caused an uproar, as many believed that the play was barely worthy of a whistle, let alone a card. Interim coach Tom Soehn told media after the game that he’s “got a bunch of guys in [the locker room] confused at even what a tackle is anymore. Captain Chris Tierney called it a “normal soccer play.”

The Independent Panel agreed and Kouassi will now be available for selection this Saturday when the Revs face Atlanta United.