A referee was removed from officiating a Major League Soccer (MLS) match after photos surfaced of him wearing an Inter Miami jersey, raising concerns over impartiality. Guiherme Ceretta was originally set to officiate the game between Inter Miami and Orlando City, but the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) made a last-minute replacement after the images went viral.
The controversy erupted just hours before kickoff when the photos were shared online, prompting PRO to take immediate action. Ceretta was swiftly replaced by Jamie Herrera, ensuring that there were no conflicts of interest during the high-profile match. The situation sparked debate about professional referees maintaining neutrality in MLS.
MLS has been dealing with referee shortages due to an ongoing labor dispute between PRO and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA). With regular referees not available, the league has been relying on replacement officials, increasing scrutiny over their credibility. This incident further highlighted concerns over officiating quality in the league.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham and featuring Lionel Messi, has been under intense media focus since Messi’s arrival. The team’s growing popularity has led to more attention on match officials, making neutrality a critical issue. The league has since reiterated its commitment to upholding fair play and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
The referee switch came amid a crucial phase in the season, as Miami looks to establish dominance with Messi leading the squad. While no evidence suggested Ceretta had any ill intent, the optics of the situation left MLS with no choice but to act swiftly. The decision reflects the league’s efforts to maintain the credibility of its officiating.
This incident has fueled discussions on the professional conduct of referees and the challenges MLS faces with its current officiating situation. While PRO has defended its response, fans and analysts continue debating the implications of the controversy and whether the league needs more stringent measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
