MLS forced to remove replacement referee from Inter Miami match

Ceretta was one of four people in two of the photos posted — and one of two in the other pair — but the only one wearing the black Inter Miami jersey with pink lettering.

It’s unclear when the photos were taken or whether there was a number or name on the back of the jersey.

The Athletic reported that everything unfolded across three hours, from the time when the referee assignments were initially announced at 9 a.m. and when they were changed by 11:45 a.m.

And this all went down as a lockout involving the MLS’ regular officials, resulting in replacement referees — including both Ceretta and Herrera — getting scheduled for games by the PRO.

It has been negotiating with the Professional Soccer Referees Association in an attempt to settle on a new collective bargaining agreement, according to ESPN.

“As long as the focus stays on fighting organized labor rather than utilizing the most well-trained, experienced officials in the league, you will continue to stray from promoting the very best of the game,” PSRA president Peter Manikowski told the outlet in a statement Saturday. “Sporting integrity provisions are in our CBA and we take them very seriously. 

“But when the league perceives these professional officials are asking for too much, the first thing to go is the sporting integrity backstops like rigorous fitness testing, medical checks, background checking and anti-doping. The sport will ultimately suffer.”

Inter Miami won its first match of 2024, 2-0, against Real Salt Lake before earning a draw with the LA Galaxy four days later.

Messi has recorded one goal and one assist on a team-high 13 shots — including six on target — through those games. 

“I think the eyes of the world are on Inter Miami, and I’m hoping that they’re able to deliver on that and whatever expectations people have,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said at Inter Miami’s opener, according to the Associated Press.

“Mostly, I’d just like his experience to be good, the experience of the team to be successful, how they’re positioned both here in the league but also around the world. That’s the story that I think is most important to us.”