Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images

NYCFC's Thiago Martins Calls Out MLS Officials After Inter Miami Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 4:02 PM ET

The MLS Champions, Inter Miami, defeated New York City FC 3-2 away from home at Yankee Stadium yesterday to equal them on points in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami secured the win with goals from Gonzalo Lujan, Lionel Messi, and Micael Silva. NYCFC's goaalscorer were Nico Fernandez and Agustin Ojeda.

The match was highly anticipated since NYCFC has started well this season, and Inter Miami's star power makes them the most must-watch team in the league.

After the match, NYCFC defender and captain Thiago Martins was asked about the refereeing and the questionable play involving Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Mateo Silvetti #24 of Inter Miami CF and Thiago Martins #13 of New York City FC compete for the ball during the MLS match between New York City FC and Inter Miami CF at Yankee Stadium on March 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images

Many fans at Yankee Stadium believed that Dayne St. Clair caught a ball outside of the box, which could have led to a free kick for the home team.

The referee did not stop the game, and it appeared that VAR did not advise the referee to check the play, which sparked controversy.

Should this have been a red card for Dayne St. Clair? #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/vlvRvG68oU
— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) March 22, 2026

Thiago Martins on Dayne St. Clair Play

Thiago Martins believes that the referee not looking at the Dayne St. Clair play during the match yesterday leaves a bad view on the MLS.

Martins acknowledges the match being watched by many and is left disappointed that nothing was done.

Martins said, "It looks bad for the league. Simple like that. So many people watch this game — it’s a big game — and when this happens, it’s like ‘what can we do?"

Thiago Martins with some interesting comments regarding the controversial handball on Dayne St. Clair:

“It looks bad for the league. Simple like that. So many people watch this game — it’s a big game — and when this happens it’s like ‘what can we do?’” pic.twitter.com/FEqAeukWxC
— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) March 22, 2026