Pochettino says Balogun dismissal was unjust as Belgium ban confirmed

WASHINGTON: United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said Folarin Balogun should not have been sent off in his side’s 2-0 World Cup knockout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, after the striker was shown a red card following a VAR review and was left facing an automatic suspension for the next match against Belgium.

Balogun had put the US ahead before the incident in the 64th minute, when he was judged to have stamped on the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot. The challenge was reviewed on the pitchside monitor before the referee dismissed the forward. Balogun also appeared to come away injured from the collision, while slow-motion replays showed his extended foot landing in a dangerous position on Muharemovic’s turning ankle.

Pochettino said the challenge did not warrant a sending-off and insisted there had been no intent from the player.

"For me, never is a red card," said Pochettino. "It never was (his) intention to step on the player."

He added that it was a routine contest for the ball and that, although the images may have looked severe, he did not believe the action was deliberate.

"It was a normal action in football, that you are fighting for the ball, and your feet land, no? Yeah, maybe it was a little bit tough, the scene, to watch. But I think it never was intentional."

Christian Pulisic also backed his teammate, saying Balogun did not merit a red card and describing the decision as unfortunate.

According to a FIFA spokesman who spoke to journalists, tournament rules mean Balogun is automatically suspended for the Americans’ last-16 meeting with Belgium next week, and that ban cannot be appealed. Pochettino said it would be fair to have the decision reviewed, but acknowledged he may need to consider other solutions if that is not possible.

Ricardo Pepi, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, filled in up front when Balogun was rested for the United States’ final group-stage match against Turkey, and could be among the options now available to Pochettino.

Balogun, born in New York and raised in England, now plays for Monaco in France. He has scored three goals for the United States at this World Cup, including a brace in the opening game against Paraguay. That tally leaves him two short of Landon Donovan’s US World Cup record of five goals.

Pochettino said Balogun was upset because the incident had not been intentional, but was also pleased that the team had advanced. He said the striker would need to accept that such moments happen in football and expressed hope that the US could progress again, allowing Balogun to return in the following round.