He didn't like it at all: Giorgio Chiellini and a new way of defending that caused his rival in the MLS to get angry.

Giorgio Chiellini, an experienced center-back, debuted 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 with his hand, as if he were playing volleyball, a ball that could have resulted in a goal for the home team at the Rio Tinto stadium.

From the Real Salt Lake area, a long ball came out that turned into a pass. While the ball traveled through the air, forward Sergio Córdova ran into space to control it and head towards the area of the Angelinos. However, the experienced defender who played for Juventus did his thing: he jumped and stopped the ball with his hands.

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

The decision of the referee was questioned by all the local players because they considered that the European deserved to be sent off for cutting off an attacking maneuver. Despite this, the authority of the Major League Soccer match ordered that everything resume with a free kick for the home team.

To avoid further controversy, the Italian World Cup player was substituted minutes after using his hands to stop the progress. His teammate Eddie Segura replaced him.

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 containing the Italian's controversial play. "No hands allowed, Chiellini," says the post, accompanied by an emoji expressing excessive laughter.

Real Salt Lake responded to that publication: "Oh yes, we love it when people make jokes about handball", says the MLS team to express their annoyance at the action that could have been punished more severely.