U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio comments on the FIFA World Cup red card shown to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after the U.S. beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0. Balogun receives a straight red card for a late challenge following a VAR review, and he is subsequently suspended for the team’s next match. Multiple outlets report that the suspension will keep Balogun out of the United States’ World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.
Rubio says the U.S. “got screwed” by the decision and argues there should be an appeal process. He also acknowledges, in comments reported by one outlet, that it may be too late to change the outcome given the timing of the suspension rules. FIFA regulations, as described in one report, provide that an automatic suspension for a red card cannot be appealed.
The coverage also notes that U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino says Balogun should not have been sent off and suggests fairness in seeking an appeal or considering options if an appeal is not possible. The U.S. striker has scored three goals in the tournament, making his absence a significant development for the team.
