US Secretary of State Rubio Says Team 'Screwed' by Balogun Red Card

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced strong disapproval Thursday over a red card issued to star striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, declaring his country's team had been "screwed." Rubio called for an appeal following the controversial ejection in the U.S. team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia.

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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?

Balogun's dismissal means he is suspended for the United States' upcoming knockout stage match against Belgium. "It was great. They got screwed with that red card," Rubio told reporters at the White House, adding, "There needs to be an appeal process for that."

Despite Rubio's comments, FIFA regulations stipulate that automatic suspensions resulting from red cards cannot be appealed. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the 64th minute after a VAR review determined Balogun had stamped on an opponent's foot.

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

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino echoed Rubio's sentiment, stating Balogun should "never" have received a red card and that appealing the decision would be "fair." However, he acknowledged the need to consider "different options" if an appeal is not possible. Balogun, who has scored three goals for the U.S. in the tournament, is a significant loss for the team.

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