England manager Thomas Tuchel has jokingly suggested that Harry Kane should ask Donald Trump to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card, hours after the US President praised FIFA for allowing US striker Florian Balogun to play despite a previous sending-off.
Balogun's ban suspended after Trump's praise
Balogun, who has scored three goals at the World Cup, was sent off in the second half of the co-hosts' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Sunday, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced it would suspend Balogun's one-match ban with a probationary period of one year. Trump posted on social media claiming FIFA had “reversed a great injustice”, while the Belgian Football Association issued a strongly-worded statement arguing the rules had been incorrectly applied.
Quansah's red card against Mexico
Quansah became the fourth England player in history to be sent off at a World Cup during England's win over Mexico, after VAR prompted an on-pitch review for a tackle on Jesus Gallardo. The defender's suspension for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway leaves Tuchel with a decision to make at right-back, amid fitness concerns over Reece James. Djed Spence, naturally a left-back who has deputised on the right, did not start in Mexico City but came on to help secure the victory.
Tuchel questions consistency
Asked if Quansah's sending-off would be appealed, Tuchel told reporters: “To be clear it was not a red card. VAR got involved. The decision is made. Who overturns this decision and when and on what grounds? It's strange for me. We want consistency. I think it is not a yellow card, that Declan Rice got in the first minute. Does France get the yellow card back for Michael Olise which was not a yellow card against Paraguay? Where does this start and where does this end? Do we appeal?”
Tuchel jokes about Trump intervention
When asked if Kane should intervene and ask President Trump for a helping hand, Tuchel replied with a smile: “Maybe!” Trump also posted on Truth Social during England's win that Kane “is a GREAT player”.
