USMNT cannot appeal Folarin Balogun red card, he could face extended World Cup ban - sources

[u/TheOldManInTheSea]

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49248052/usmnt-cannot-appeal-folarin-balogun-red-card-face-extended-world-cup-ban-sources

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[u/twelfthcapaldi]

I think the overall problem is the inconsistencies with the refereeing this tournament. This gets a red, Messi’s challenge doesn’t get anything (and I love Messi so don’t get me wrong). In this game the ref didn’t give out any yellows to anyone when it was warranted prior to the red. But that’s football for you I guess, I watch the Premier League and refereeing can be a shit show there as well so nothing new.

[u/Liiraye-Sama → u/twelfthcapaldi]

Man inconsistency is the key word here. The Japan Sweden ref was actually insane. It felt like 90% of rightful fouls were completely ignored and every other non foul was called or carded. Both teams were quite mad at the refs inconsistency and blindness to the actual fouls.

I'm not making a case about the Balogun or Messis fouls cuz I didn't watch either game, just that the refs are wildly inconsistent in this WC.

[u/twelfthcapaldi → u/Liiraye-Sama]

Yeah I’ve seen it happening in a lot of games. In France v Sweden the French defenders were full on grabbing Gyökeres and dragging him down to the ground, no fouls called. This happens to him in the Premier League as well though.

So whether you agree with Flo’s red card or not, the inconsistencies with the refereeing just make it an even harder pill to swallow. Especially for casual viewers and people who are newer to watching this sport.

[u/DLottchula → u/twelfthcapaldi]

This is why Haaland has adopted just running through a mf.

[u/xixoxixa → u/Liiraye-Sama]

I am a world-cup only soccer watcher, so bear with me, but that inconsistency is one of my biggest issues as someone who knows almost nothing else about the sport. One ref will let the players play until someone gets hurt, another ref will blow the whistle every time the wind blows the wrong way.

[u/machine4891 → u/twelfthcapaldi]

I think the overall problem is the inconsistencies with the refereeing this tournament. 

That's the recurring problem with each and every World Cup. Since it's worldwide tournament, referees as well must represent all the contintents and some of them really are of questionable skill and quality.

It's fair to point out but US team pretending like they're the only one getting bad officiating is silly. We all been there! Now there's at least VAR which is absolutely NOT implemented correctly but it's still miles better. Should've seen what it looked like before it.

[u/DeadGoatGaming → u/twelfthcapaldi]

This is the biggest problem. Had the ref been accurately calling fouls and giving yellows to the prior instances that warranted it in the match I would have said that should be a yellow and maybe a red. But no out of nowhere red card. Like what?

[u/GotTermitesInMahHouz]

It’s sad we’re not focusing on celebrating the epic free kick

[u/Automatic-Effect-252 → u/GotTermitesInMahHouz]

It’s hard to celebrate when we have to go into the next game without our best player 

[u/DelanoK7 → u/Automatic-Effect-252]

Best player is quite the stretch but definitely in form, I’ll give you that

[u/DetCityDaveST → u/DelanoK7]

Right obviously Tim Ream is USA’s best player.

[u/Zohren → u/DetCityDaveST]

Pulisic is realistically the USAs best player, and McKennie is in with a shout too. Those 3 (including Balogun) are probably top 3. Actually, throw Chris Richards in there too, great defender.

[u/Salty_Helicopter9356]

Extending a suspension for that would be asinine.

[u/DoubleDoobie → u/Salty_Helicopter9356]

They won't/wouldn't. That part is added to the headline so you click on it.

[u/Sir_Clarence_III_Esq → u/DoubleDoobie]

Ha ha, take that ESPN. I come to Reddit to read headlines and make comments based on my assumptions without reading the article. Your clickbait doesn't work here!

[u/WalkingOnSunshine_ → u/Salty_Helicopter9356]

That’s just normal procedure for every red card. Very unlikely it happens

[u/ThaRealSunGod]

This sub cannot have a good faith Convo about the USA or Messi.

Those two topics bring out the worst of the fandom

[u/kemicalkontact → u/ThaRealSunGod]

They both deserved a red

[u/thegoatisoldngnarly → u/kemicalkontact]

Both red. Both yellow. Both no card. Whatever anyone thinks, we should all at least agree the cards should be the same. It was the same foul. If anything, Messi’s was worse.

[u/humbuckaroo]

Clickbait headline. He'll get the standard one match ban and that's it.

[u/Andybabez20]

Bans are only supposed to be one game for all red card offences this tournament. It requires FIFA to step if they feel sufficient additional punishment is required, which I don't think this merits.

He'll just miss the Belgium game.

[u/AMadHammer → u/Andybabez20]

For that Qatar player who got red against Canada, he got a 5 match ban from international matches. 

That was a wild judgment from Fifa for that case so IDK what they are doing here. 

[u/justforkicks28 → u/AMadHammer]

Another absolute bullshit ruling on FIFA. That guy never deserved a 5 game ban. This decision makes me nervous for USA

[u/Ok_Address8167 → u/Andybabez20]

Um, that's a pretty significant "just." Especially in a knockout situation.

We'd have no grounds for appeal, but it's not a minor loss. He was our most impactful player.

[u/AndrewDoesNotServe → u/Ok_Address8167]

I also will just miss the Belgium game

[u/corobo]

Don't ask me to explain myself or I'll hit you again 

- FIFA 

[u/peterpeterllini]

THIS JUST IN: FIFA to punish the University of Missouri with the death penalty.

[u/knauerj → u/peterpeterllini]

What a r/cfb crossover

[u/thebigpink → u/knauerj]

Whole world hates Missouri

[u/cheesepuff1993 → u/peterpeterllini]

Frankly, I don't know why they thought they could get away with it...better double it

[u/Bearded_Toast → u/cheesepuff1993]

VERY WELL. So be it.

TWO missouris shall die this night

[u/2amthrowaway45 → u/peterpeterllini]

Lmao I love seeing CFB references in this sub

[u/PMURITTYBITTYTITTIES → u/2amthrowaway45]

I was talking to a guy about the GT triple option last night in the post game thread, love the intersection

[u/Diligent-Cat-8159]

I don't think the problem is the red card decision; it's more to do with the fact that VAR is so inconsistent. There have already been a couple of similar incidents at the World Cup so far, with the biggest one being the Messi attempted tackle, yet not a single one got a red card, let alone any card so why is Balogon being the one to get the red card when VAR is basically saying its a legal tackle in the past games

[u/raccoonsonbicycles → u/Diligent-Cat-8159]

The main issue I have is the referees overall performance.

The red card? By letter of the law yes it is. It's tight but I get it and was never gonna anticipate an overturn.

But the referee had zero control of the game and let this happen. I'd argue the knee to the face earlier was more reckless and warranted a sending off (or at LEAST a caution). In addition to multiple very hard fouls being uncalled and uncautioned.

He absolutely caused both teams to play rougher and harder.

Doesn't excuse the recklessness but if the official had established control in the first 45, they wouldn't be playing as roughly. He allowed both teams to push from careless -> reckless-> excessive as the gsme progressed. Everyone is lucky no serious injuries occurred and careers werent impacted.

Also by letter of the law, B&H coach grabbing the ball is a team official intentionally delaying restart by holding onto the ball AND can be considered dissent given he did it specifically to shout at the official. If we play by ticky tack that should have been a red as well.

Overall a very poor overall performance. I'll allow refs to make mistakes because everyone's human and they're not omniscient but this ref just had no balls.

2 first half yellows and nothing escalates

[u/Medical_Bartender]

Could be worse...we could have been Croatia'd

[u/fuxmeintheass → u/Medical_Bartender]

Oof…

[u/mafkJROC]

Seeing Infantino and Howard Lutnick together at the game seemed appropriate and made me want to puke.

[u/TJ-RichCity]

I struggle to see how they extend the ban

[u/itscominghomemate]

It’s your moment to shine, Mr President
😂😂😂

[u/Childs_Play → u/itscominghomemate]

Balogun can still play against Belgium if Mike Pence has the courage

[u/joshteacha → u/Childs_Play]

Come on Mike

[u/theevilempire → u/itscominghomemate]

MR. FIFA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

[u/DangerBay2015 → u/itscominghomemate]

You joke, but...

[u/PeterNippelstein → u/itscominghomemate]

Please pardon Balogun, Mr. Trump! 🙏🙏🙏

[u/Feature_Minimum → u/itscominghomemate]

I hate that stupid cunt. But this would be HILARIOUS and honestly, fair play.

[u/firesticks → u/Feature_Minimum]

Most American thing ever.

[u/GrowYourOwnMonsters → u/firesticks]

Yeah, i don't think dude knows what fair play is.

[u/popiholla → u/firesticks]

“call the manager” 😭

[u/Cocofluffy1 → u/Feature_Minimum]

Tweet him UNFAIR! VENEZUELAN VAR CORRUPT PROBABLY SUPPORTS MADURO! STAND UP FOR AMERICA! If he can do something I guess it would be proof that even the devil can be useful occasionally.

[u/FormalWare → u/itscominghomemate]

If he threatens to return his FIFA Peace Prize, what can Infantino do? Checkmate.

[u/DTKwh1terabb1t → u/itscominghomemate]

I would say don't put it past him, but the only thing he cares about is getting to be the first person to lift the trophy.

[u/Unlikely-Crazy-4372]

extended? what?

[u/AlfredRWallace]

Reality is us should be able to win the next one. If the ban is more than that I'd be shocked.

[u/shortyman920]

Additional suspension would be insane for this lol. That’s probably not going to happen, and we’ll just have to live with the result for next game against Belgium

[u/smittyplusplus]

Guys chill there is literally zero indication that anyone anywhere is considering extending his punishment beyond the normal red card suspension. This is clickbait BS

[u/CommentsOnPosts69]

Enough is enough, I’m gonna turn my AC on

[u/Inevitable-Scar5877]

The zoomed out replay is way worse- he gets run into from behind by the guy he lands on

[u/Raidicus → u/Inevitable-Scar5877]

Worse, the Bosnian muscles in front of him which actually causes the collision that got him hurt. The Bosnian has every right to play for the ball, but expecting a 200-lb player to stop on a dime the very millisecond he was beaten to the ball is absurd.

[u/wizeon]

Wtf is with this thread.

[u/Dont_dreamits_over]

All around the world, football fans have one thing in common; support a team long enough and it will eventually get fucked over by fifa or any other applicable governing association (I’m not talking about the red card, but an additional suspension, which I REALLY doubt would happen, but whatever.)

Next man up. Move on. Big game on the 6th.

[u/iamatimbersfan]

What, exactly, would the rationale be for an extended ban? What conduct are you trying to prevent? Landing with legs extended?

[u/Root2109 → u/iamatimbersfan]

If you read the article, it's clickbait. No one said they were considering that. They said that Fifa CAN review it and extend the ban, which they can do with any red card. No one is talking about pursuing that.

[u/Coleisgod1112 → u/iamatimbersfan]

“He dared question us!? 20 game ban! No…wait… a 1000 GAME BAN!”

[u/Simply-Jason]

As a diehard Chelsea fan who frequents other Prem teams match threads, the notion that only Americans would argue this being a true red card or not is absolutely comical.

Hell, watch any of the influencers or Youtubers that cover these games in real time and you'll see they sit there and bicker over yellow and red cards all day.

[u/Affectionate-Wrap-65]

Wait why would it be more than 1 match ban???

[u/martinmix → u/Affectionate-Wrap-65]

Just click bait. FIFA can review and extend the ban, that doesn't mean they will or have any reason to.

[u/happymisery → u/martinmix]

And if they do extend the ban, that can be appealed.

[u/Pitiful-Pension-6535 → u/Affectionate-Wrap-65]

Because it technically can be more than one.

[u/Background-Gas8109 → u/Affectionate-Wrap-65]

It won't be.

All straight reds are looked at to determine if the player deserves more than a 1 match ban.

[u/Background-Gas8109]

Could face.

He won't because it wasn't intentional but they will look at it like they do all straight reds to determine if the player should be banned for more than 1 match.

[u/CPD1960]

Simple question. Why do the Americans call their World Cup team USMNT, instead of just USA, or even US? We are not likely to confuse it with some other US sports team.

[u/virtuous_fox → u/CPD1960]

I'm guessing it's cause our women's team is the more decorated. Generally we would do the mens team as team usa, then specify women's team, but with soccer our women's team has been top tier and our men's team under performs compared to other countries.

[u/ibonek_naw_ibo → u/CPD1960]

United States Mutant Ninja Turtles

[u/happilyfour → u/CPD1960]

Because the USWNT (US Women’s National Team) is more reputable. You can’t say the US national team or Team USA and assume you’re talking about the men when it comes to soccer over here. For other sports, we’d call our representation for whatever sport by its simple name and the assumption would be that “Team USA” referred to the men’s team. In this case, the women’s team became prominent first so the USWNT (which started as a clarification that it’s the women’s team) was more well known, and the USMNT name worked off of that.

[u/PinchMaNips]

I love how this is getting shoved to the top of people’s algorithms…I don’t even follow this sub

[u/lunarhostility]

Extension here would be crazy.

[u/Volleyball45]

I’ve been in enough match day threads for the EPL and la liga to know that these non American fans are never this calm when it’s going against their club. I’ll let you know when I see a City fan calmly accept a ticky tack penalty against a critical player on their side but I wouldn’t hold my breath while you wait.

[u/One-Inflation-3524 → u/Volleyball45]

Exactly. If that ref called a game like that in his own country he’d be lucky to make it home to his family.

[u/asap_lichai]

Sources added that the VAR review is regarded as the first appeal of an incident as offenses are immediately reviewed by the match officials.

This doesn't really make sense to me. It wouldn't have been upgraded to a red card had there not been a VAR review.

[u/Fit-Student464]

This makes the US' job that much more difficult against a Belgoum side that just had a lucky escape.

I do not think he will get an extended ban, as it seems he went for the ball.

[u/howdiditgetinthere → u/Fit-Student464]

Also, there was no malice. The replays clearly show him lifting his foot up as he realized he was on his opponent's foot. That was a really soft red.

[u/Impressive_Trust_395]

Broken leg versus perfectly fine 30 seconds later.

Yeah I’m not sure these are equivalent

[u/InformationHairy3919]

Unforturtunately Balegun faces possible lifetime ban and jail time.

[u/zacboggz → u/InformationHairy3919]

I heard they have video of him cutting the reflecting pond liner too!

[u/Mrl0unge]

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgj9e1782xo

Ronaldo and the World Cup reprieve: special treatment or justified?

Under Fifa's disciplinary code for violent conduct, Ronaldo should have received a three-match ban for elbowing Dara O'Shea during Portugal's 2-0 qualifying defeat earlier this month.
Yet Fifa's disciplinary committee said it took into account that he had not received a red card in his other 225 international appearances.
He served one match in the final qualifier against Armenia. The other two will only be activated if he "commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period".

[u/Creative_Bat6444]

The whole talk of intent, etc. just muddies the water and isn't relevant. Neither is what has happened to other players during the tournament.

That said, the incident needs to be taken as a whole. If a player jumps for a header and an opposing player slides underneath him and gets studs in raked down his calf, does that mean the person jumping for the header should be given a red card? You can't look at the end result which is what the VAR was looking at in this case and use that footage to decide whether something is a red card.

The rule in question states that a red card should be given when "A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play."

This wasn't a tackle. It wasn't even a challenge by Balogun. The defender was challenging Balogun because he was the one how came from behind. There was no lunge and there was no excessive force applied by Balogun. He was in the air attempting to play the ball when the defender reached past him.

This should not have been a red card. Not because of intent or because of what happened to other players but because the rules don't make it a red.

The inconsistency in the calling of fouls, red cards, penalties, etc. just make the result more frustrating.

[u/BroSoxOranje → u/Creative_Bat6444]

This is the best take I’ve heard on this subject. Thank you for a reasonable, objective interpretation quoting the rule in question and breaking it down. The last line is also a nice touch. Well done.

[u/taco_cuisine]

People hate the US for not caring about soccer, then people hate the US for caring about soccer lmao

[u/chimatt767]

Just put him out there in a different uniform. No one will notice. They have no idea who the US soccer players are.

[u/Glittering_Virus8397]

This has me heated, but my A/C is cooling me down

[u/klowderm]

This article didn't age well......

[u/redburn0003]

“Sources added that the VAR review is regarded as the first appeal of an incident as offences are immediately reviewed by the match officials.”
BS-there was no red card given on the field prior to the VAR conspiracy

[u/Nice_Pipe_7608 → u/redburn0003]

They don’t follow their own rules.

[u/Nice_Pipe_7608]

The Messi one didn’t even go to VAR. It looks worse too because he was actually looking at the defenders feet.

[u/red_vette → u/Nice_Pipe_7608]

It was also in a response to a take away, not a contested ball with two players going for it. Messi's was retaliatory and Balogun was just sloppy at worst.

[u/yoshikira00 → u/[deleted]]

Love this comment

[u/JackC1126]

A multi-match ban would be ridiculous imo

[u/No_Body905 → u/JackC1126]

And extremely unlikely.

[u/funman1760]

Ok do Messi now

[u/SothaSillies]

Preventing appeals is a horrible principle. FIFA is so scared to be proven wrong, they just hope people forget about it and move on.

[u/ActuallyErebus]

United States mutant ninja turtles

[u/Olaskon]

Why is the nickname for the US men’s team ‘ mutant ninja turtles’?

[u/rockne → u/Olaskon]

tMNT - the Men’s National Team
TMNT - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

[u/BornEvent1674]

I literally can't read anything MNT without reading it as Mutant Ninja Turtles ... United States Mutant Ninja Turtles

[u/TapItOff]

ESPN hasn't had credible sources since Dianna Russini left them

[u/Think_Monk_9879]

Why would it be more than 1 Match?

[u/wineplease09]

Can someone explain why questioning or appealing would lead to permanent ban? Sounds like some lame power trip of “you better not question our authority” but I could very well be wrong.

[u/checkonechecktwo → u/wineplease09]

It’s two separate thoughts. There is no appeal process, also there is a chance that he could face an extended suspension (as could anyone). They’re just explaining the mechanisms that exist. 

[u/UnexpectedSharkTank]

The wink, David Beckham 1998, Dejong’s tackle, Zidane headbutt, Suarez, van Persie, Totti vs South Korea, Ronaldo vs Valencia, Pepe vs Barcelona,

I think it was a valid red but one that goes uncalled all the time. The gatekeeping in here is ridiculous though. Every single one of you has overreacted to a red card for your team in the past. All of you are hypocrites.

Edit: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423410/2026/07/05/usmnt-folarin-balogun-red-card-available/?source=user_shared_article&unlocked_article_code=1.vVA.XdJx.bTTtoy61CK-h

Eat my shorts you honky fucks

[u/Always_Compete]

Embarrassing that this clearly accidental incident may receive further suspension, while Messi’s significantly more reckless foul got not even a yellow .

Due to my flair I must add Ronaldo should have been suspended at the start of the tournament

[u/Exciting_Tailor_5794]

Extended??

[u/pbmadman]

Surely FIFA defer his suspension for a year just like they did for Ronaldo, right? Right??

[u/originalusername4567]

Ugh, I really hope this isn't an extended suspension. Just gotta go one game at a time, though. Poch will figure out a game plan for Belgium and Pusilic needs to step up and be the star he's been touted as.

[u/STL_241]

It’s a judgement call by the ref. I don’t agree with the straight red card, but the call is within the interpretation of the rules. However, any additional suspension by FIFA would be ridiculous and honestly suspect.

[u/CelticKnot634]

Guys we got to move on. Next man up. Have people never watched sports before

[u/zlaw32 → u/CelticKnot634]

People complain about calls all the time that have far less severe consequences than this

[u/Intelligent_Sky_7081 → u/CelticKnot634]

Imagine this happened to Harry Kane. English fans would be talking about it for days. Just like they did in 2006 with wayne Rooney

We do need to move on. But it hasn't even been 24 hours yet. Id say it's understandable that people will discuss this today

[u/peachtree619]

My issue isn’t whether if it should have been a red or not, it’s just the inconsistency of the refs. You see players make similar fouls all the time and the ref lets them just roll all over the pitch in agony and the game continues. In a sport where penalties have huge consequences there needs to be consistency.

[u/Mr_MacGrubber]

>Sources added that the VAR review is regarded as the first appeal of an incident as offences are immediately reviewed by the match officials.

That makes zero sense considering the ref didn’t even call a fucking foul. It would be like an appeals court saying someone’s guilty of murder who wasn’t even charged with the crime.

[u/NoBreadforOldMen]

To my American bros, this is just how soccer works. The joy of success and the pain and disappointment of major calls that in retrospect were sus. You should have seen it before VAR. Just gotta move on

[u/Hot_Recommendation98 → u/NoBreadforOldMen]

Ask Donald to trade in his FIFA peace prize for balogun to play next game 

[u/DannyBones00]

It’s pretty telling that Europeans have gone from talking shit about the team, to talking shit about random people who are just now discovering the entire sport on Reddit.

[u/uncleyuri]

Nice clickbait title.

[u/ParkingScientists]

Messi would never

[u/famousoffline → u/ParkingScientists]

never get the card? (I say as a huge Messi fan lol)

[u/Jhawksmoor]

The defender was totally fine.

[u/two_bagels]

Madibo was an example because of the injury to Kone and because he was from a country that wasn’t expected to do anything in the WC. Baloguns card was already controversial so there is no way they extend his penalty. They won’t overturn it but they are not gonna extend it. In no normal cases would they do that but as others have said, because we are a host country the especially won’t.

FIFA is corruption in pursuit of money and this would be the opposite of that.

[u/Karsh14 → u/two_bagels]

Yeah there’s no way there would be an extension. It will be the one game and then that will be that.

[u/GigglingLady]

FIFA dragging this out would be horrible.

[u/BassBored]

I’m confused. They’re acting like this dude punched someone in the face, it clearly was an accident why would he face an extended ban??

[u/inbruges99 → u/BassBored]

I think the headline is a bit sensationalist. It technically can be extended but there’s nothing to indicate it will.

[u/sheJaMyMorant → u/BassBored]

they’re not going to extend it. it’s just ESPN farming outrage for clicks

[u/YourCummyBear → u/BassBored]

Any red card can face an extended suspension, but he won’t be suspended further.

This title is clickbait in that way. In the World Cup you cannot appeal the 1 game red card suspension but if he was to be suspended further you can appeal that suspension.

[u/QueasySleezyCheesey → u/BassBored]

It's not an extended ban, it's the standard 1 game that come with all red cards. This headline is just over-sensationalized for clicks.

It is shitty that FIFA has no protocol for overturning poor calls made by their refs, but that is it.

[u/Enron_F → u/BassBored]

He won't. The headline is bullshit. They just mean under the rules technically it's possible for an extension but it's clearly not going to happen here.

[u/Kazuzu0098 → u/BassBored]

I think this article is just rage baiting. Its saying they can suspend him further but nothing that says they're even looking at it for additional suspension. Don't get angry at rules existing for reasons and someone pointing them out. Wait until FIFA actually says they're suspending him further.

[u/jeremyolar]

I dont think they'll extend the ban. If there was any intention, they may but this was a harsh one as it was a landing appraoch

[u/infinitejester88]

Surely we can all agree that whether you think the call was right or not, the fact that you can't appeal a red card at a world cup is a terrible rule

[u/rock-dancer]

I don’t mind some ambiguity in the rules or how intent doesn’t matter. What I find objectionable is the lack of context mattering.

The context is a game that the ref let play rough with a hard play for the ball after similar incidental contact was allowed all game. The foul only really looked bad in slow motion and the player was clearly fine. We also seen similar plays receive little or no punishment except for a foul being called.

The US observer sees a player fake permanent injury and the refs buy it leading to a red card for a normal play in this game. The player hops up once the punishment is given and the other team plays with a man advantage. The rules can be stricter or looser, I just want more even application. We know much of the world hates us and can’t help but be suspicious when calls like this come down after letting other, more popular players, get away with it.

[u/Key_Quit_6178]

Messi did the same and no call

[u/ComicSportsNerd]

everyone everywhere saying it's not a red card yet morons on reddit "dUh AmErIcA sTuPiD not KnOw FoOtBaLl RuLeS" this place never fails me with it's stupidity.

[u/Mormonius → u/ComicSportsNerd]

Soccer

[u/nehrkling]

As an American who played soccer in college, he got a red that was applicable. It wasn't deliberate but it was legitimate.

[u/_cryisfree_]

This call was nowhere near as contentious as the call that eliminated Germany - except there seem to be around 1000 more threads about it

[u/Odd-Obligation-2772]

For people new to football you determine if it was a red card or not by which team he's playing for. If he's on your team, he's a completely innocent angel complete with halo and the other player should be hung drawn and quartered for getting in the way. For the other team we just skip directly to the hanging, drawing and quartering.

[u/Clempsoning]

these threads are pissing me off more than the red card at this point haha. People who dislike the US vs. Americans who don't like the sport arguing in circles..

[u/No-Juggernaut8847]

Messi would get that appeal approved easily.

[u/Suitable_Challenge_9 → u/No-Juggernaut8847]

Uhh, according to the refs, Messi wouldn’t have to appeal anything.

[u/Fubeman]

Funny how Ronaldo’s THREE match ban got reduced to just ONE match after he received a red card for elbowing the Irish player in the 2025 World Cup qualifier, but an appeal in this case is a no go. JFC!

[u/MasonDinsmore3204 → u/Fubeman]

Wouldn’t be the worst thing Ronaldo has gotten away with…

[u/Mixeygoat]

If you all think Balogun is gonna be suspended more than one game you are delusional

[u/MrGoodKatt72]

If his suspension gets extended, they absolutely can appeal that. And they would certainly win that appeal.

[u/TrashbatLondon → u/[deleted]]

Intent doesn’t matter. People mistakenly infer that intent is considered because the media use the term “unintentional” as the opposite of “deliberate”.

Deliberate refers to whether the movement or action is deliberate. A more accurate antithesis would be “uncontrolled”, rather than “unintentional”.

So you can genuinely not intend to go through someone’s ankle, but you can still commit a red card offence if you were in control of the body positioning that led to you going through someone’s ankle.

The media are very unhelpful at explaining the rules sometimes.

[u/Waddlow → u/[deleted]]

Intent totally does matter. Anyone saying otherwise is fucking stupid. Its why Zidane's headbutt is a clear red card, but two guys headbutting each other accidentally going for the same header isn't. Intent and context always matter.

[u/_Diggus_Bickus_]

Everyone here acting like it's just the USA who bitches when big calls screw them is hilarious. Yall would be doing the same exact thing if this happened to your team.

[u/mrsfahrenheit33 → u/_Diggus_Bickus_]

And they do. All the time lmao. Premier league fans love to protest the most imo. I’m a Chelsea fan and can’t even tell you how many times petitions have gone around to sack certain refs.

[u/1382mas]

EXTENDED?

[u/FeeHot5876]

If they extend it past the auto one game that would be absolutely insane

[u/ElGuaco]

No appeal means that a single ref can rig the outcome of the tournament. This is why people say FIFA is corrupt.

[u/DiarrheaRadio → u/ElGuaco]

I think there are a fuck ton of reasons people say FIFA is corrupt.

[u/_Heathcliff_]

Messi did the same thing and nobody batted an eye by the way

[u/PatternForeign278 → u/_Heathcliff_]

Plenty of people bitched about it, what are you talking about?

[u/handDrawnEevee → u/_Heathcliff_]

So did Victor Wembanyama

[u/chijuvars → u/_Heathcliff_]

Messi’s was worse IMO

[u/FontsDeHavilland]

Not a red card and the US are extremely unlucky.

[u/Successful_Ask3933 → u/FontsDeHavilland]

Wow a non condescending British person on a soccer sub. Hope you have a good day

[u/Limp-Plantain3824]

By the time this was posted the suspension was already confirmed as a single game.

Why post this then?

[u/Smart-Protection2243]

FYI

the ref that gave the red card to Balogun was previously accused of match fixing…….for giving red cards in Brazils Series A in 2023.

[u/Man_grum]

Anyone saying dangerous play must’ve only watched the slow motion clip. In real time it was just two players tangled up and a foot incidentally lands on another players leg. No worse than any late intentional challenge where studs find a players foot or shin that we’ve seen all tournament.

[u/Big_Liability → u/Man_grum]

It’s crazy to me this sport then auto suspends the player the next game for incidental contact that only looked bad after multiple slow motion review that wasn’t even deemed bad during live play.

[u/ActNaturally]

Im sorry... extended ban? Like theyve looked at that terrible call that was clearly without intention and want to extend his suspension?

[u/Saint--Jiub → u/ActNaturally]

The Qatari player who broke Koné's leg got 5 games and that was also clearly without intention. The player even apologized to Koné in person

[u/leanordthefourth]

ITT - people discrediting others due to their nationality. Nice look for all of us…

[u/Miamidale305 → u/leanordthefourth]

World Cup in full swing!

[u/FarCalligrapher1862]

Seems off that the system was used in a manner that is against the rules, AND you cannot appeal the violation of the rule.

[u/SlamJam64]

There's nothing to appeal, it's a red, and yes Messi should have got a red too

[u/RunnyKinePity]

It’s done, it’s over. The ban won’t get worse. Let’s enjoy our win and hopefully make everyone take notice against Belgium. It hurts a lot but this team is still fully capable of winning a game without him.

[u/Initial_Guess_1785]

One set of rules for Messi, another for the rest. No way FIFA is beating the charges. 7 penalties for Argentina in their last 10 games says it all

[u/Pleasant-Pattern7748]

The fact that there’s no process in place to appeal a red is wild. It’s tacitly saying the refs are infallible.

FIFA can deny all the appeals they want, whatever. But at least have the pathway for appeals there, if for no other reason than to not look like an utterly corrupt organization.

…

[u/CatchUsual6591 → u/Pleasant-Pattern7748]

FIFA have always been anti desk solution

[u/Masheeko → u/Pleasant-Pattern7748]

They do exist, just not in knock-out tournaments where referees from different associations gather, time windows are short, and the neutrality of panels would be easily questioned. Hence the non-appealable automatic ban, which everyone could accept, even if it has hurt multiple nations throughout the years.

In domestic leagues where there's more man-power and single decision point on how to call things and the time-frame to allow for a suspended sentence, appeals are quite common.

[u/wangmeatexpress]

Messi did it, but worse -> not even a foul US player does it -> red card

Make it make sense

[u/boot2skull → u/wangmeatexpress]

When a U.S. player makes FIFA as much money as Messi, they will get plot armor.

[u/Eismann]

More clickbait to enrage the already enraged idiots.

[u/Chester_A_Arthritis]

All I’m arguing is that his ankle wasn’t “almost broken”

[u/Thumbkeeper]

lol wut

[u/BarryMcKockinner]

Extended? Wtf? How could this result in an *extended" world cup ban?

[u/Zauberer-IMDB → u/BarryMcKockinner]

It's clickbait that is technically true based on reporting what the rule is, because the rule is one match mandatory suspension with FIFA having the option to extend. Obviously, they won't make a determination that extension is appropriate in this instance because it's not like he ran over and dropkicked someone with malice.

[u/longlisten527 → u/BarryMcKockinner]

It’s just click bait

[u/RespectFearless4233]

Us Men's Ninja Turtles?

[u/NOLASLAW → u/RespectFearless4233]

I swear I see that every single time too it’s not just you

[u/GeneralTu]

Yet, you can intentionally lay out a player with a blind side block that endangers that player’s head, neck, legs etc and the result is that player, once he gains consciousness, must sit on the sidelines for a full minute while your team plays down a man. The rules are arbitrarily and silly

[u/damclub-hooligan]

It‘s because his name is not Messi.

[u/Jelopuddinpop]

May I remind everyone that Muharemovic recieved a miracle of healing, because after 5 minutes of writhing on the ground, grasping at his ankle and everything else he could grab, screaming at the top of his lungs, and reaching his hands toward the heavens, he miraculously popped to his feet and played out the rest of the game (plus stoppage time) once Balogan got carded. I thought performances like that also get carded, no?

[u/nirvroxx → u/Jelopuddinpop]

Performances like that get red carded if they clearly weren’t hit but in this case , his ankle did get cleeted.