In a dramatic turn of events during the USA’s World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, standout player Folarin Balogun was ejected in the second half. The decision came as the US maintained a tenuous 1-0 lead in Santa Clara, igniting widespread controversy.
This dismissal is a significant setback for the USA, as Balogun, who has netted three goals in the tournament thus far, will be absent from Monday’s critical round of 16 clash against Belgium, one of Europe’s formidable teams. Regrettably, FIFA rules out any possibility of appealing against this ruling.
The incident occurred just after Balogun had positioned the USA ahead with his goal before halftime. He became entangled with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, inadvertently making contact with the back of his opponent’s heel.
Brazilian referee Raphael Claus took a second look at the challenge through the video replay monitors. After reviewing the slow-motion footage, he judged Balogun’s actions as serious foul play, subsequently handing him a straight red card, just past the hour mark.
Balogun appeared visibly shocked by the referee’s decision and had to be comforted by his teammates as he exited the field, leaving the outcome of the game uncertain.
Malik Tilmann later scored a free-kick to double the USA lead and secure a hard-fought 2-0 win but Balogun’s red undoubtedly tarnishes the victory.
Folarin Balogun was sent off for raking his boot down Tarik Muharemovic’s leg
The USA star – who has scored three goals at this World Cup – was distraught by the decision
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes led the public outcry on social media after the sending off
Brittany Mahomes, who was a soccer player at college, slammed the red card decision and led the furious backlash online, posting on Instagram: ‘That was some bulls***… All I have to say #USA.’
Her husband, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick, also took to social media to question the decision. ‘Man what……’, he wrote on his X account.
Jason Kelce, preparing for his brother Travis to get married on Friday to Taylor Swift, took time out from wedding planning to vent at the decision.
‘Man, somebody help me. That foul looked incidental from Balogun, shouldn’t a Red Card be given if there is either intention to foul, or an action that is aggressive and unsafe in nature?’ Kelce wrote.
‘Didn’t feel like Balogun was out of control or anything, just looked like it kind of happened.’
Another former NFL star, JJ Watt, was fuming at the decision.
‘Announcers should definitely be informing the audience that Balogun will miss next match, assuming we win tonight. Massive, massive implications there. Huge loss,’ he said, also posting about the decision: ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me….’
Meanwhile, ESPN host Pat McAfee shared a video on social media, as he declared his disbelief at the referee’s decision to send Balogun off.
‘You can’t get a red card for that. Balogun gets red carded?! He’s our goalscorer!’
Brittany Mahomes shared this X-rated message on social media in response to the red card
A number of prominent names in the sports world piled onto social media to react to the call
The striker will now miss the USA’s Round of 16 game against Belgium on July 6
NFL legend JJ Watt was also quick to jump online and give his reaction. ‘What’s the phone number for the FIFA red card appeal hotline?’, he wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, on FOX’s post-game coverage, legendary soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic made sure not to understate how big a loss this could be for the team.
‘I believe it’s a big loss to be honest, he has been one of the best, if not the best player of the US team so far,’ the former Swedish international said on the broadcast.
Thankfully, the decision didn’t have major ramifications in the game itself. Though the USA were down to 10-men for 30 minutes, they held on to secure a historic win.
Not only did they hold on but, shortly after they doubled their advantage through Malik Tillman, who rifled a stunning free-kick into the back of the Bosnian net.
However, while the USA players and coaches soaked up the atmosphere at the final whistle, head coach Pochettino will no doubt have Balogun’s red card on his mind.
It means that the in-form striker will have to sit out of their tie against Belgium on July 6. Back-up striker Ricardo Pepi will likely take his place for the Round of 16 clash.
It was a brutal end to Balogun’s night – and potentially his World Cup – having been the hero for the national side earlier in the night, with his opening goal.
After scoring in the first-half, Balogun produced LeBron James’ ‘Silencer’ celebration – and the NBA legend made sure to make note of it online.
Taking to X, the 41-year-old wrote: ‘LFG!!!!!! THE [Silencer] HAS [landed] at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young [king]!’.
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