Pochettino says Balogun foul ‘never’ a red card as suspension looms
Key takeaways
- Balogun also appeared to be injured from the coming-together with Muharemovic, but slow-motion replays showed his outstretched foot had come down in a dangerous position on his opponent’s turning ankle.
- Despite protestations that the contact was accidental, Balogun received his marching orders after the referee went over to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
- “For me, never is a red card,” said Pochettino. “It never was (his) intention to step on the player.”
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said Wednesday striker Folarin Balogun should “never” have received a red card after he was sent off against Bosnia following a VAR review, meaning he will miss his side’s last-16 World Cup showdown with Belgium next week.
In the 64th minute of Wednesday’s knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun — having scored the opener in a 2-0 US win — was controversially judged to have stamped on the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot.
Balogun also appeared to be injured from the coming-together with Muharemovic, but slow-motion replays showed his outstretched foot had come down in a dangerous position on his opponent’s turning ankle.