Balogun’s gesture to referee after red card speaks – Sports News
Folarin Balogun shook palms with all of the referees (Image: Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
USMNT ahead Folarin Balogun departed the sector with the admiration of his fellow gamers and FIFA officers regardless of receiving a red card in opposition to Bosnia and Herzegovina, sidelining him for the upcoming match in opposition to Belgium.
Following his second-half dismissal, Balogun rejoined his United States colleagues on the sector after their 2-0 victory within the World Cup Round of 32.
He had netted the sport’s first purpose earlier than receiving his dismissal for what appeared to be an unintentional conflict with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Instead of protesting or lingering close to the match officers, Balogun respectfully shook palms with every referee on the conclusion of the sport.
This included Raphael Claus, the official who had issued the red card. Meanwhile, FIFA supporters thought-about the choice so questionable that they referred to as for Claus’ dismissal.
He was given a red card (Image: undefined)
Balogun appeared in good spirits following the sport and even got here back onto the sector sporting diamond earrings, undeterred by the controversy surrounding his red card.
He exchanged handshakes with all 5 officers in teal FIFA apparel, prompting followers on X to commend his professionalism.
One supporter commented, “He’s a bigger man than me.”
Another remarked, “Better be appealing that right now.”
A 3rd noticed, “As a fan who wants the team to go as far as possible, I didn’t want him to get a red either.”
Balogun will not be accessible for the USA vs. Belgium match (Image: undefined)
Balogun’s red card ensures his suspension for the next spherical of play. VAR examined the incident and decided that he inadvertently made contact with Muharemovic’s ankle.
The USMNT star is unable to problem the red card underneath FIFA guidelines and can be suspended for the Round of 16 match in opposition to Belgium, forcing the US to lean on its squad depth.
The group has backup striker Ricardo Pepi accessible, although he has but to discover the web on this match.
Flo Balogun on the sector along with his USMNT teammates after the match and shook the palms of all referees. Didn’t linger or appear to protest. pic.twitter.com/VXzlqjKz6l
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 2, 2026
Balogun tops the scoring chart with three targets, forward of Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, and Giovanni Reyna.
US supervisor Mauricio Pochettino should now navigate one of the match’s most crucial matches with out his main purpose scorer.
Following the sport, Pochettino said, “For me, it’s never a red card.”
His remarks captured the frustration of supporters who felt Balogun’s contact was unintentional fairly than harmful.
Numerous followers drew parallels to a comparable incident involving Lionel Messi earlier within the competitors. Messi caught an Algerian defender’s ankle with a trailing-leg problem during the group stage, but obtained neither a card nor a VAR review.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg was amongst a number of voices who challenged the ruling. Former NFL star Jason Kelce additionally took difficulty with VAR’s dedication.
“Man, somebody help me. That foul looked incidental from Balogun; shouldn’t a Red Card be given if there is either intent to foul or an aggressive, unsafe action? Didn’t feel like Balogun was out of control or anything, just looked like it kind of happened.”
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