Red card controversy: What can be done about Balogun's DQ?

A red card controversy around Folarin Balogun is shaping the U.S. team’s next match plan, with an automatic suspension likely to remove its leading World Cup scorer. Balogun received the red card after contact with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during Wednesday’s match; Bosnia was briefly in agony but completed the game. The U.S. still won 2-0, scoring the second goal with the team down to 10 players after Balogun’s ejection. Because red cards carry an automatic one-game ban, the U.S. will miss Balogun for the knockout meeting against Belgium. Fox Sports rules analyst Mark Clattenburg said the incident lacked speed, force, or malice needed for a red card, while arguing it could have endangered the opponent due to a foot-on-foot challenge. He also noted the suspension is mandatory even after review, though additional games are possible if deemed reckless.