US Striker Balogun on Suspension Deferral Controversy: "It's Only Natural There Was Backlash"

▲ Balogun

U.S. men's national soccer team striker Folarin Balogun said it was "only natural" that the controversy surrounding the deferral of his red card suspension turned into a global uproar.

The United States was eliminated from the World Cup after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 match held at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, today (July 7).

Ahead of today's match, the attention of fans was focused on Balogun.

During the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun stepped on the ankle area of Tarik Muharemovic while competing for the ball. The referee issued a red card to Balogun following an on-field video assistant referee (VAR) review.

The ejection meant Balogun would be ineligible for the Round of 16 match against Belgium, and his absence was a major blow to the U.S. team, as he had already scored 3 goals in the tournament.

However, after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the enforcement of Balogun's one-match suspension was deferred for one year, sparking public outrage among soccer fans.

Ultimately, Balogun started as the lone striker in today's match against Belgium, but he failed to score, recording only one shot on target out of three attempts, and the U.S. lost 4-1.

Balogun, who unexpectedly found himself at the center of the controversy, met with reporters after the match and acknowledged the situation, saying, "Since the decision was overturned, it is only natural that there would be controversy."

"When I received the red card, we accepted the referee's decision, and when we were notified by FIFA that I was eligible to play, we simply accepted that as well," Balogun said.

He expressed a sense of frustration, adding, "I was not involved in that process at all. Personally, it has nothing to do with me."

In the 31st minute of the first half, Balogun drew a foul near the penalty arc in the Belgian half, and Malik Tillman stepped up to score the equalizer, indirectly contributing to the U.S. goal.

Balogun was substituted during second-half stoppage time, and the U.S. failed to score any additional goals, suffering a three-goal defeat.

"We didn't show the home fans much to cheer about today," Balogun said. "That is the most disappointing part, and it is personally heartbreaking."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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