Rubio claims the US was robbed by Balogun's World Cup ejection

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday his country’s World Cup team had been “screwed” and called for an appeal after star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia.

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Washington’s top diplomat tackled the sporting controversy a day after Balogun was given a red card in the 2-0 US win. Balogun is now set to miss his side’s last-16 showdown with Belgium.

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“It was great. They got screwed with that red card,” Rubio told reporters during a brief appearance in the White House briefing room when asked how the co-hosts were doing in the tournament.

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“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that, right?” added Rubio, who was leading a group of people on a tour.

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While he weighed in on the World Cup, US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic pointman declined to answer questions on Lebanon and Iran.

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“Guys I’m not here to talk about the news,” Rubio added.

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According to FIFA regulations, Balogun is automatically suspended for his team’s next match, and the suspension cannot be appealed, a spokesman for the governing body told journalists on Wednesday.

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In the 64th minute of Wednesday’s knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was controversially judged after a VAR review to have stamped on the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot.

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USA’s Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the match that Balogun — who scored the US opener in Wednesday’s game — should “never” have received a red card.

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Pochettino said it “should be fair” to appeal the decision, but said he would have to consider “different options” if it is not.

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Balogun — who was born in New York but raised in England and now plays for French club Monaco — has scored three times for the USA this World Cup and his loss will be a major blow.

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AFP

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