Mark Geiger is not standing alone after his controversial decision paved the way for Mexico to qualify to the 2015 Gold Cup final. With only one minute to go in the game between El Tri and Panama, Mark Geiger signaled to the penalty spot when he thought Roman Torres handled the ball with his hand.
The game was 1-0 in favor of Panama at that time. Los Canaleros had endured playing one man down for almost 70 minutes and had been able to score halfway through the second half. Mexico had no signs of
Panamanian players claimed "CONCACAF Corrupt Thieves"
Mensaje de los jugadores Panameños 'CONCACAF LADRONES' CORRUPTOS pic.twitter.com/hFg5LEzYIh
— Futbol (@Futbol_ahora) July 23, 2015
The Professional Referee Organization, responsible for overseeing what refs do in North America, is standing by their man despite the waves of criticism against him, the Mexican team and Concacaf. In a game with three controversial calls, it was the one in the 88th minute the one to steal the show in favor of Mexico.
PRO general manager, Peter Walton said that Geiger will still be part of the organization and he will not be fired, like the Panamanian national team demanded at the end of the game. Geiger is known to be an inconsistent referee despite being the one to represent the United States in the 2014 World Cup.
Angel Patrick (23) kicked Geiger at the end of the game in what was the referee's worst night
Patada de Ángel Patrick (23) al silbante Mark Geiger en el polémico triunfo de México sobre Panamá. #CopaOro2015 pic.twitter.com/oRhvUMsyO0
— Luis Jaramillo (@patacallejera) July 23, 2015
"One inconsistent performance does not make a referee a poor referee," Walton said. "Geiger is a very good referee and has proved that on numerous occasions. PRO will fully support him and his standing with PRO has not been [affected] by this performance."
Costa Rica is also in favor of taking similar actions against those who officialized the game between Mexico and Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. They were also affected in the late stages of the game. Now, for most people, this looks like a conspiracy theory that should allow El Tri to claim their seventh Gold Cup title on Sunday.
Costa Rica sided with Panama arguing that Mexico is in the final thanks to corruption
Así apoya la selección selección de Costa Rica #todosconpanama @CONCACAF corruptos pic.twitter.com/2feGUf4AYZ
— EntreGente (@EntreGentePty) July 23, 2015
Geiger had to be escorted out of the field by security officials as he had the whole Panama team surround him when he blew the final whistle. Some players even got to hit him before he could leave the pitch of the Georgia Dome. Now Panama will face the United States to see who gets third place and Mexico against Jamaica for the title. The referee for the final at Lincoln Financial field has not been decided
WATCH: Mexico vs Panama highlights with the doubtful calls included