New York Red Bulls center back Tim Parker was sent off by referee Robert Sibiga for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity during the 35th minute at Red Bull Arena against Atlanta United on Sunday afternoon (FS1, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada).
The red was the first of the career for Parker, who has started 113 of his 117 career MLS appearances. He departed with the game deadlocked 0-0.
The ejection came when Sibiga ruled Parker had tugged down Atlanta's Josef Martinez just outside the penalty area, halting the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner holding a clear path to goal. Martinez still managed a shot toward Luis Robles' goal, but his progress had clearly been impeded, and Sibiga quickly produced the red.
Afterward, Sibiga appeared to discuss the situation on his headset with Video Assistant Referee Edvin Jurisevic, but did not review the play.
To adjust for Parker's departure on the backline, coach Chris Armas brought on defender Sean Nealis for midfielder Andreas Ivan in the 41st minute.
