Folarin Balogun’s teammates came to his defense after the USA World Cup star was given a red card during the team’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night.Balogun received the red card after he stepped on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s right ankle.Brazilian referee Raphael Claus only gave Balogun the card after a VAR review.
The red card meant Balogun will not be able to play in the team’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.ZERO BS.JUST DAKICH.
TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD.DOWNLOAD NOW!United States' Folarin Balogun, right, stands by after being issued a red card by Referee Raphael Claus, of Brazil, as United States' Weston McKennie (8) looks on during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)A FIFA official told The Athletic a team cannot appeal against the red card or the suspension.The official pointed the outlet to a portion of the organization’s rules and regulations, which states, "A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match.
The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures."Balogun’s teammate, Weston McKennie, called the lack of an appeal process "bogus" and disagreed with the referee’s decision to issue the red card.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMBosnia's Sead Kolasinac (5) talks to United States' Folarin Balogun after Balogun was sent off, as Christian Pulisic (10) watches during the World Cup round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, July 1, 2026.(Julio Cortez / AP)"Obviously the ref made a decision that he made, but I think it’s questionable," McKennie said.
"I think there’s been many other plays like that throughout the tournament on other players that a card wasn’t given at all.It’s disappointing."U.S.
coach Mauricio Pochettino said B...