Balogun’s Controversial Red Card in U.S. Victory Over Bosnia-Herzegovina

The United States faced Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup’s round of 32. Folarin Balogun played a crucial role, scoring his third goal of the tournament to give the U.S. a lead. However, his night ended with a red card that will sideline him for the next match.

Christian Pulisic, a teammate, commented on the situation after the 2-0 victory. “It’s so unfortunate honestly,” Pulisic said. “It just seems so harsh for us to get that. He’s done so much for us, and now we got his back. If he has to miss the next game, it’s just ridiculous for something like that.”

Balogun celebrated with a move inspired by LeBron James, “The Silencer.” However, his first attempt to score was disallowed for offside. He later received a red card from referee Raphael Claus following a video review for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. Initially, no card was shown, but after review, Balogun was sent off.

“It never was intentional,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “It’s never a red card. Never. … If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that never was. It was a normal action in football that you are fighting for the ball and your feet land.”

Balogun is now the third player to score and be sent off in a World Cup knockout game, joining Brazil’s Ronaldinho and France’s Zinedine Zidane. Despite the red card, Balogun must serve a one-game suspension, meaning he will miss the round of 16 match against Belgium. There is no appeal process unless FIFA imposes a suspension of more than one game.

Weston McKennie criticized the decision, calling the lack of an appeal process “bogus.” “Obviously the ref made a decision that he made, but I think it’s questionable,” McKennie noted. “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.”

After being consoled by Pulisic and Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac, Balogun returned to celebrate with his teammates and even shook hands with the officials. The U.S. must now choose between Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright for the game against Belgium.

“It’s a tough decision to make,” Wright added regarding the incident. “In the heat of the moment I think the stills look worse than it did live. But I’m always ready and prepared to do my best for the team.”

Balogun’s goal came in the 45th minute after Malik Tillman’s pass deflected into his path. The ball deflected off Muharemovic and Balogun scored with his left foot, increasing his tally to 12 international goals. His celebration aimed to quiet the opposition’s crowd, echoing a signature move by LeBron James, who later celebrated on social media.

Balogun has tied Landon Donovan’s record for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, trailing only Bert Patenaude. Balogun’s red card is the fifth for an American in the World Cup history, following Eric Wynalda, Fernando Clavijo, and others.