Pochettino Rejects Red Card Decision Against Balogun in USA's World Cup Win

Folarin Balogun’s dismissal during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina has drawn strong criticism from head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who declared the red card “never a red card.”

Balogun, who opened the scoring in the match, was sent off after a VAR review showed his studs grazing the calf of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. Despite the slow-motion replay, no Bosnian players initially contested the incident, yet referee Raphael Claus issued a straight red card at the 70,000-capacity stadium.

This decision means Balogun will miss the United States’ round of 16 encounter against Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Pochettino expressed his disagreement during the post-match press conference, emphasizing that there was no intention to injure the opponent.

“For me it’s never a red card,” Pochettino stated. “Watching after on TV… there was never intention to step on the player. [It’s] a normal action in football that happened by accident. It’s never intentional. That is why for me it’s never a red card.”

The coach also remarked on the overall officiating, noting, “I think today, the 50/50 decisions, not one went for us. The players reacted very well, we controlled that emotional part of the game, how they managed the situation was amazing, we were mature enough to continue competing.”

Pochettino compared Balogun’s incident to a similar challenge by Lionel Messi in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, which was ruled a foul but did not result in a red card. “For me, neither are red cards,” he added, suggesting, “It should be possible to appeal the red card.”

However, according to FIFA’s disciplinary code, the United States has no option to appeal the red card due to the involvement of VAR in the decision.

Regarding Balogun’s reaction, Pochettino said, “He's very disappointed and he's sad. It wasn't his intention. We can do nothing to change that feeling.”

The match concluded on a bittersweet note for the United States, as Malik Tillman’s free-kick in the 82nd minute secured the win despite the team playing with ten men for the final 25 minutes.

The US team will now face Belgium, who overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time on Wednesday, for a spot in the quarter-finals.