Folarin Balogun has praised the ‘classy’ action of the referee who red carded him in the controversial VAR decision.
Folarin Balogun turned heads with a classy performance after the USMNT advanced to the World Cup Round of 16.
Bosnia and Herzegovina provided a tough test in the Round of 32, but in the end, the USA secured a stunning 2-0 victory for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
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Striker Balogun, who has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, took advantage of a mistake that happened when he scored a goal during the break.
However, in the 64th minute of the match, Balogun caught defender Tarik Muharemovic behind the ankle, and referee Raphael Claus did not punish him at first.
However, the official was sent to the sidelines in Dallas by VAR, shown the incident in slow motion, and red carded, followed by angry accusations that FIFA had yet again got it wrong.
Balogun appeared to be surprised by the decision, and was visibly upset as he left the field.
After the whistle blew, Balogun returned to the pitch to shake hands with referee Claus, and his explanation as to why was highly commendable to say the least.
“You may feel like something unfair has happened to you, but that is no reason to be disrespectful or not do the right thing,” said Balogun.
“After every game I try to shake everyone’s hand.
“This is something I know: that the World Cup may be the first time that many American viewers will watch.
“It’s just important to show people that whatever happens to you, good or bad, to keep being you.”
The fans are very fond of this action of their striker, and they are willing to praise him.
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“That’s class from a class player. We could all learn something from that,” commented another.
“THIS! This here! Shout it from the top of the mountain. The mind and actions of a truly special player and person,” added a second.
“He’s a good guy and a good role model. He’s done well,” said a third.
“Like a classy guy. A good example for adults, and kids,” concluded a fourth.
Balogun says red card ‘not the right call’
Due to FIFA rules, Balogun was not allowed to speak to the media following his red card.
Before training on Friday, he spoke to the media and said that a yellow card would have been a good result.
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“There is no other place to put your foot. It cannot be avoided,” said Balogun.
“So, I’ve seen a lot of different opinions and takeaways, but, for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been good.
“It’s something that happened, so we have to move forward and I have to accept it.
“It’s hard to see red in any game, but in a competition with such high pressure – it was a very difficult situation, there were a lot of emotions but for me, the most important thing is to try to stay calm.
The win over Bosnia was the USMNT’s first World Cup victory since 2022, and Mauricio Pochettino became the winningest manager in World Cup history.
Pochettino had hoped to appeal the red card, but it was not allowed, meaning Balogun will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
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Pochettino may now have taken a leaf out of Ted Lasso’s book and created a masterpiece without his star on the pitch.
Fortunately, for Poch and the USA, Balogun will be available for selection once he reaches the quarterfinals.
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