Watch Revs’ Jermaine Jones shove ref, get ejected over denied penalty kick claim
The New England Revolution’s trip to the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs ended in controversy rather than glory.
Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones was ejected after a fiery confrontation with referee Mark Geiger in the 92nd minute of the team’s 2-1 loss to D.C. United on Wednesday night at RFK Stadium. Jones, a member of the U.S. men’s national team, was enraged after Geiger did not call a potential handball in the United penalty area in the closing minutes.
As Jones pressed for an equalizer in second half stoppage time, United defender Sean Franklin attempted to close off his path toward goal. The ball deflected off Franklin’s arm as Jones sought to elude him. Jones immediately called for Geiger to blow his whistle and award a potentially match-altering penalty kick. The referee opted to let play continue, much to the displeasure of Jones.
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After his pleas for a whistle went unheeded, Jones charged after Geiger. For verbally and physically confronting Geiger, who has a history of controversial spot kick decisions, Jones received a second yellow card of the match, leading to him being shown a red card and being sent off.
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After United held on for the narrow win, Jones was apologetic, but remained convinced Geiger should have awarded his side a penalty.
That Geiger had awarded United a penalty kick earlier in the match after the arm of Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell contacted a pass in his team’s penalty area only exacerbated Jones’ frustration.
“I think everybody who came today can see it was a 100 percent penalty,’’ Jones said after his team’s season-ending loss, via FOX Sports. “OK, my patience after went a little bit high. But I think it’s normal. There are only two minutes to go and then you’re out. For what happened after, I am sorry. I play with the national team. Maybe it cannot happen, but it happened. People who know me know I’m not a good loser. I try everything. In that moment, I was really upset. I think if you give Scotty’s penalty, you have to give this penalty, too.’’
Geiger explained that he did not award a penalty kick to New England because it was “a case of ball to hand’’ as Franklin’s arm was in “a natural position,’’ according to Sports Illustrated’s Brian Strauss.
“I apologize for the situation and what I did after,’’ Jones said, via MLSSoccer.com. “I apologize, for a national team player and all that kind of stuff, it cannot happen and I’m sorry for that. But, who knows me knows that I hate to lose and I would not go crazy if I’m not 100 percent sure that’s a penalty.’’
A year removed from reaching the MLS Cup Final, the Revolution were ousted from the postseason in the knockout round.
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