The United States national team is preparing for its Round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium without forward Folarin Balogun, who received a controversial red card in the team’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and sports commentators.
During the match, Balogun was sent off for dangerous play after a challenge involving Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović. Replays showed Balogun’s cleats making contact with Muharemović’s calf and ankle while both players were contesting a loose ball. While there appeared to be no intent to injure, the incident, when viewed in slow motion, led to the referee issuing a red card after a review with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The red card means Balogun will be suspended for the upcoming match against Belgium. According to FIFA regulations for the tournament, a player or team official sent off with a direct or indirect red card is automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match. US Soccer confirmed that there is no avenue to appeal the suspension, leaving Balogun to miss the crucial game.
Reaction to the decision
The decision to issue a red card to Balogun has been met with significant frustration from the USMNT camp. Midfielder Weston McKennie described the lack of an appeals process as “bogus” and noted inconsistencies in officiating, citing similar incidents in the tournament that did not result in a card. He suggested that Balogun’s foul might have warranted a yellow card, but not a red, emphasizing the unintentional nature of the contact.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino echoed this sentiment, stating that he did not believe it was a red card and that Balogun’s action was a “normal action in football” that happened accidentally. Captain Tyler Adams also expressed his view that it was a yellow card, suggesting that slowing down replays can make incidents appear worse than they are in real-time. Adams reacted to the inability to appeal by stating, “Typical FIFA.”
The controversy has extended beyond the team, with discussions taking place across sports radio, television talk shows, podcasts, and social media. Clips of other challenges, including one involving Lionel Messi that did not result in a foul, have been circulated by fans to highlight perceived inconsistencies in VAR decisions. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena and other sports figures have also weighed in on the debate.
The incident has drawn comparisons to other notable World Cup send-offs. Zidane’s red card in the 2006 World Cup final for a headbutt was considered less controversial than the recent decision involving Balogun.
Impact on the team
Balogun’s absence is a significant blow for the USMNT as they prepare for their match against Belgium in Seattle. He has been a key offensive player for the team and has been recognized as one of the Americans’ most influential players in the tournament.
Despite the disappointment, McKennie stated that the team will adapt, with another player stepping up to contribute in Balogun’s place. The team’s focus has shifted from the controversy to preparing for the upcoming challenge against Belgium, one of the top teams in the world.
The USMNT’s next match against Belgium is scheduled for Monday.
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Source: nypost.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.