The United States is preparing for a crucial World Cup game against Belgium, missing a key player. Folarin Balogun will not participate in Monday’s Round of 16 match after receiving a red card. During the previous game, an unintended collision resulted in Balogun stepping on an opponent’s ankle. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident and deemed it severe enough to warrant a red card.
Brazilian referee Raphael Claus made the decision, impacting the USA team as they played with ten men for the rest of the match. This ruling also prevents Balogun from participating in the upcoming Belgium game.
“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call,” Balogun stated. “I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.”
Despite the controversy, the US team had no recourse. World Cup rules don’t allow protests against the referee’s decisions related to play facts. These decisions stand unless the FIFA Disciplinary Code states otherwise. The regulations mandate that a player sent off for a red card automatically misses the next match.
Balogun expressed diverse emotions following his ejection but prioritized staying composed and setting a positive example. He expressed gratitude for the support he and the team received and stated their focus on the match against Belgium.
FIFA confirmed Balogun’s suspension applies only to the Belgium game. He will be available for the quarterfinals if the United States advances.
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