While many American soccer fans celebrated the victory, the celebrations were put to a halt by referee Raphael Clowes’ red card issued to Team USA striker Folarin Balogun. Fans took to the internet to express their displeasure at the referee’s decision, which required a VAR review.
A red card was issued in the 64th minute of the game, making victory even more challenging for Team USA. The team ultimately won, but receiving a red card will have further consequences that could affect Team USA’s chances in the Round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.
So, what does all this mean for Team USA? Here’s a list with some of the internet’s best reactions to Balogun being issued a red card.
What is a red card?
Yellow cards and red cards are distributed by the referee to maintain match rules.
Yellow cards serve as a warning, while red cards are issued for more serious, egregious violations.
What happens when a player gets a red card?
When a player receives a red card, they are immediately ejected from the game and their team is forced to play with a man down. In the case of Team USA, Balogun had to leave the game and the USA had to play the remainder of the match with 10 players compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 11 players.
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Additionally, the player who has been issued a red card is suspended for his team’s next match. Team USA will be able to play with 11 on the field against Belgium, but Balogun will not be able to play.
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Why are American fans upset?
For one, the red card was seen as quite controversial.
During the 64th minute of the game, both Balogun and Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic were seen heading towards the ball. Balogun and Muharemovic collided, Balogun’s cleat hit Muharemovic’s ankle and both players fell to the ground.
Analysts and former FIFA referees have divided their opinions on whether Balogun deserved a red card, and there does not seem to be much consensus on this. Some agree that it was a red card offence, others disagree.
Furthermore, the contact appeared to be accidental as both Balogun and the Bosnia and Herzegovina players went for the ball. Furthermore, the Reds did not even issue a yellow card at first and required a VAR check before issuing any cards. After review, the referee deemed the incident a “serious foul” and issued a red card.
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Balogun has been Team USA’s top goal scorer with three goals in the three games he has played. Not having him on the field against Belgium definitely puts Team USA at a disadvantage.
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Some fans are angry at what they consider to be uneven refereeing throughout the tournament. A common example used by fans is when Messi appeared to commit a similar foul in a group stage game. Messi was not called for a foul and did not receive a red or yellow card.
Can a referee’s red card decision be appealed?
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According to FIFA, red cards and subsequent match suspensions cannot be appealed.
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To make matters worse, FIFA could review the foul and decide to suspend Balogun for additional games. This has already happened in a World Cup match this year when FIFA extended a red card suspension against a Qatari player five games A foul resulted in a Canadian player suffering a broken leg.
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For now, however, Team USA is focused on its round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
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