The USA’s red card controversy explained and why the decision won’t be overturned

Between England’s comeback and Belgium’s last-gasp turnaround, it was already a special day of action. But then the USA turned up with a convincing win against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the world lost its mind about a controversial red card decision. So, naturally, that’s where we’ll start today.

The Main Thing: Why Folarin Balogun was sent off and why it can’t be overturned

The US was already 1-0 up and seemingly cruising to victory as the clock ticked past the hour mark. After a seemingly innocuous coming together between US goalscorer Folarin Balogun and Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović, play was stopped as the latter was clearly in some pain. It wasn’t until we saw a video replay that anyone could understand why.

As Balogun had reached his right leg out toward the ball, he ended up scraping his cleats down Muharemović’s calf, eventually standing on the defender’s ankle, which was planted awkwardly on the ground. There didn’t seem to be any intent from Balogun, but watching the incident in slow-mo instant replay made you squirm. It looked awful.

After being prompted to visit the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) screen at the side of the pitch, referee Raphael Claus subsequently sent Balogun off for dangerous play – a decision that seemed harsh and means the star striker will, at minimum, be suspended for his team’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium on Monday.

Despite the US going on to win the match, attention at full-time was still firmly on Balogun’s dismissal and whether the decision might be overturned. The answer to that is: No, it will not be.

“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” state FIFA’s rules for this year’s tournament.

US Soccer then confirmed to CNN Sports that they would not be able to appeal the red card, leaving Balogun with little option but to watch Monday’s game from the stands.

There had been a bit of confusion around the appeals process but, as The Athletic reported, US Soccer would only be able to appeal if FIFA decided to extend Balogun’s suspension. But whatever happens, he’ll have to miss one game at least.

US star Weston McKennie said the lack of an appeals process was “bogus” and said there had been similar incidents that went unpunished during this tournament.

The big one being plastered across social media involved Lionel Messi in Argentina’s first group match. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had accidentally stamped on a defender’s leg and received no such punishment. In fact, he ended that game with a hat-trick.

But such inconsistency is commonplace in soccer; it’s kind of what makes it so unpredictable and dramatic at times. Someone just needs to explain that to former NFL star JJ Watt who was one of many – including new NBA champion Josh Hart, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes and former NBA star Dirk Nowitzki – to be dumbfounded by the decision.