FIFA referee Raphael Claus is facing calls to be sacked after sending off United States talisman Folarin Balogun during their World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Brazilian official showed the co-host's striker a red card for a challenge on opposition defender Tarik Muharemovic, a decision that has sparked widespread outrage.
The Incident
Balogun appeared to genuinely attempt to reach a lobbed ball before inadvertently landing on his opponent's ankle. However, he was well away from the ball. Claus was advised to check by his VAR. After examining the incident on the pitch-side monitor, he brandished a red card. Despite the setback, the US clung on for a 2-0 victory courtesy of Balogun's first-half goal and a late Malik Tillman free-kick.
Fallout and Reactions
Supporters and celebrities were initially furious online about the red card call. Some subsequently demanded that Claus, typically a referee in the Brazilian top flight, should be sacked. DC Examiner reporter Brad Polumbo wrote: "I'm so proud of the USMNT for playing an amazing game and winning anyway despite a c*******d referee. But the referee almost derailed our entire World Cup with one of the worst decisions I have ever seen." Another social media user added: "Absolutely a f*****g joke, this referee should lose his f*****g job. Didn't even call a yellow at first, absolutely atrocious refereeing." Another fan said: "Deport this ref immediately. That is NEVER a red card in the World Cup." One claimed he was the "worst referee job I've ever seen."
Brazilian Reaction
Several high-profile Brazilian accounts highlighted Claus's lack of popularity back home. "How nice it is to see a game being officiated by Raphael Claus...In another country," wrote Ole de Brazil to the account's 1.2 million followers. CazeTV, with 425,000 followers, tweeted: "CAN WE ALREADY SAY THAT RAPHAEL CLAUS IS THE MVP OF THE MATCH? ? ? AFTER THAT FOUL THE BRAZILIAN HAD TO PULL OUT THE RED FROM HIS POCKET! AND ON TOP OF THAT HE SPENT IT ON THE ENGLISH GUY."
Comparison to Messi Incident
Lionel Messi committed a near-identical foul against Algeria during the group stage yet escaped a red card, arguably owing to his legendary status in the game. Balogun became the first player to both score and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout fixture since Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final against Italy.
Impact on US Team
With Balogun suspended, the United States will most likely turn to Ricardo Pepi, the PSV forward who started against Australia and Turkey, when they face Belgium in the round of 16.
