FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Guilherme Ceretta was removed as center referee of the Inter Miami-Orlando City match Saturday after photos of Ceretta on social media created a possible conflict.
The Professional Referee Organization replaced Ceretta with fourth official Jaime Herrera hours before the start of Inter Miami's 5-0 victory. The photos that prompted the late removal featured Ceretta wearing Inter Miami apparel.
Pictures of Ceretta wearing an Inter Miami jersey were first revealed on an X account called MLS Referee Stats.
Replacement officials have worked the first three weeks of Major League Soccer matches after the league and the Professional Soccer Referees Association could not reach a collective bargaining agreement. With the lockout ongoing, the Professional Referee Organization was handling officials' assignments for the league.
The replacement pool used during the work stoppage features retired officials as well as referees who work in third and fourth divisions.
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi scored two goals in the rout.