FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas is certainly thrilled the United States punched its ticket to the Round of 16, but he's not happy that Folarin Balogun was sent off with a red card.
Balogun was given a red card in the 63rd minute for stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic's ankle. VAR recommended an on-field review, which then led to Balogun being sent off early. Despite being down a man for the final third of the match, the USMNT pulled away late due to a heroic goal from Malik Tillman.
After the USMNT secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia, Lalas ripped head referee Raphael Claus and the job he did on Wednesday night. Lalas said what many fans were probably screaming at their televisions.
"An absolute joke of a refereeing night," Lalas declared during FOX's post-match show.
© Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images
Lalas later shared a video of Lionel Messi committing a similar foul in Argentina's World Cup opener agains Algeria. Despite stepping on his opponent's calf, Messi was allowed to stay on the pitch.
Clearly, Lalas believes FIFA picks gives stars like Messi preferential treatment.
This post from Lalas has stirred up quite the debate this Thursday, receiving over 1.2 million views and over 700 responses.
Can the United States appeal Balogun's red card?
Unfortunately, FIFA confirmed that Balogun won’t be allowed to appeal his red card. That means he'll miss Monday's match against Belgium.
“A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match,” a FIFA official told The Athletic. “The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.”
With Balogun out for the Round of 16, it's imperative that Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman step up on Monday in Seattle.
