Folarin Balogun’s red card decision on July 1 during the Round of 32 match sparked widespread debate regarding the one-game ban on the star striker. The incident also caught the attention of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who took a jab at the referee for the decision. 

Kittle took to his social media account on X, posting a picture of the referee handing the red card to Balogun while the striker showed a green UNO reverse card, hinting at the reversal of the controversial decision.

FIFA lifted the one-game ban on July 5, which could have kept the striker on the sidelines of the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium.

The USMNT striker received the red card after he accidentally stepped on the right ankle of Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović during the 2-0 victory in the Round of 32 match.

Referee Raphael Claus initially did not call a card until he reviewed the move on VAR and assessed Balogun for foul play, showing him a red card.

Though FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced that the one-game red card ban would be delayed for a probationary period of one year, it did not explain the reasons behind the decision.

However, FIFA said in a statement that the suspension could be enforced again if Balogun commits "another infringement of a similar nature and gravity", as reported by NBC News.

While the decision drew reactions from NFL stars like Kittle, Balogun's reaction to the controversial decision was measured and calm.

Folarin Balogun focuses on setting the right example

During the recent media availability session on July 4 in Husky Soccer Stadium, Washington, Balogun addressed the red-card decision by stating that he wanted to handle things in the right manner, despite disagreeing with the call.

"I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion," Balogun said as quoted by Sportsnet. "There are still lots of people we're inspiring, little kids, boys, and girls who are watching. We have to show the correct way to handle things even when you think it's unjust."

Though Balogun believes a yellow card could have been fair, if FIFA moves on with a one-game ban, he was ready "to move forward" and "accept it.” Balogun returned to the field after being sent off and shook hands with the referee Claus at the end of the game.

Balogun's three-goal haul includes the strike that put the U.S. ahead against Bosnia. The total matches Landon Donovan's tally from the 2010 World Cup and leaves only Bert Patenaude's four goals in 1930 ahead of him on the U.S. single-tournament scoring list.

Balogun also becomes the first US player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

With the one-game suspension lifted, the USMNT striker is set to lead the game against Belgium, as the United States seeks a win that would earn them a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

What do you think of Kittle's take on the situation? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar