We are calling on Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) to permanently remove Guido Gonzales Jr. from officiating professional matches. The standard of officiating must match the growth of the league, yet Gonzales Jr. has repeatedly failed to enforce the basic Laws of the Game, jeopardizing player safety and sporting integrity.

This petition cites specific, game-altering failures in the 2025 and 2026 Florida Derbies:

Knowledge of the Rules: In the May 18, 2025, match between Inter Miami and Orlando City, Gonzales Jr. failed to call an obvious backpass to the Orlando goalkeeper. Following the match, Lionel Messi publicly stated on Apple TV that the referee admitted he "didn't know the rule" regarding the play.

Failure to Protect Players: During the May 2, 2026, match, Gonzales Jr. failed to issue a red card for a dangerous, high-velocity tackle on Lionel Messi that resembled an NFL-style "hip-drop" tackle. This lack of action directly violates FIFA’s mandate to punish "serious foul play" that endangers an opponent's safety.

Pattern of Bias/Incompetence: Gonzales Jr. has officiated both of Inter Miami's recent home derby losses to Orlando City (2025 and 2026), both of which were marred by controversial, game-changing decisions against the same team.

Fans pay for tickets and subscriptions expecting a fair competition officiated by professionals who know the rules they are paid to uphold. MLS must stop punishing players like Ian Fray for speaking the truth and instead address the root cause: substandard officiating that tarnishes the league's reputation.

We demand an immediate internal review of Guido Gonzales Jr.'s performance and his removal from future MLS assignments.