Weston McKennie Calls Folarin Balogun’s World Cup Red Card Suspension Bogus

Folarin Balogun‘s red card has Team USA fans seeing red.

The U.S. forward received the shocking disciplinary action for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the teams’ round-of-32 World Cup match in Santa Clara, Calif., July 1.

As the players fought for the ball, Balogun tried to get in position and became entangled with Muharemovic—with his foot ultimately landing on the defender’s ankle. After the referee watched the replay through a VAR review, he gave Balogun a red card. 

Not only was the 24-year-old sent off the field for the remainder of the game, but he will also be suspended from Team USA’s upcoming match against Belgium in the Round of 16 which the U.S. advanced to—marking the men’s team’s first knockout round win in 24 years—after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina with a final score of 2 to 0. 

For those kicking around the idea of appealing the red card and suspension, a FIFA official, citing its rules, told The Athletic this can’t be done. Still, some of Balogun’s teammates are calling foul on the decision.