Giorgio Chiellini stopped the attack with his hands and his punishment outraged the rival in the MLS.

Giorgio Chiellini, experienced center-back, unveiled a new way of defending a few hours ago. It happened in the match between Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles FC, the Italian's club. The defender blocked the ball with his hand, as if he were playing volleyball, which could have resulted in a goal for the home team at the Rio Tinto Stadium.

From Real Salt Lake's area, a long ball was played that turned into an assist. While the ball traveled through the air, forward Sergio Córdova made a run into space to receive the ball and head towards the opposing team's area. However, the experienced defender who played for Juventus had other plans: he jumped and stopped the ball with his hands.

Immediately, the Venezuelan number 10 from Real Salt Lake protested against the unsportsmanlike action committed by the opponent. At the same time, the referee rushed to punish Chiellini. In fact, the referee reached for his pocket to take out a card, but the punishment only resulted in a yellow card.

The judge's decision was questioned by all the local players because they considered that the European player deserved to be sent off for interrupting an attacking play. Despite this, the authority in charge of the Major League Soccer match ordered that the game be resumed with a free kick for the home team.

To avoid further controversy, the Italian World Cup player was substituted minutes after stopping the ball with his hands. Eddie Segura replaced the center-back.

Los Angeles FC won 4-1 with goals from Cristian Arango (brace), Kellyn Acosta, and Gareth Bale. Sergio Córdova, the first one to desperately ask for a red card for Chiellini, had scored the temporary 1-1.

Indignation

On social media, MLS shared a video that contains the controversial play by the Italian player. "No hands allowed, Chiellini," says the post, accompanied by an emoji expressing uncontrollable laughter.

Real Salt Lake responded to that post: "Oh, yes, we love it when they make jokes about handball," says the MLS team to express their displeasure for downplaying an action that could have been punished more severely.