Rubio says USA 'screwed' by Balogun's World Cup red card

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in on a contentious red card incident involving star striker Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match, stating the American team was "screwed." Balogun received a red card in the 2-0 U.S. win against Bosnia, which will cause him to miss the team's next match against Belgium.

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It was great. They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that, right?

Rubio, speaking to reporters in the White House briefing room, called for an appeal process for the decision. "It was great. They got screwed with that red card," he said, though he acknowledged it might be too late for an appeal. When asked about the World Cup's progress, Rubio deflected questions about Lebanon and Iran, stating, "Guys I’m not here to talk about the news."

According to FIFA regulations, Balogun's suspension is automatic and cannot be appealed. The red card was issued in the 64th minute after a VAR review judged Balogun to have stamped on the back of a defender's foot. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino also disagreed with the decision, calling it unfair and suggesting an appeal.

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Guys I’m not here to talk about the news.

Balogun, who was born in New York but raised in England and plays for Monaco, has been a key player for the U.S. in the World Cup, scoring three goals. His absence is considered a significant blow to the team's prospects in the knockout stage.

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It should be fair to appeal the decision, but I will have to consider different options if it is not.