Presented as a still image by the video referee, the case for the prosecution is obvious.The United States forward Folarin Balogun is stepping down, with force, seemingly over the ankle of the Bosnia & Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović. The opponent’s foot is also in a contorted shape, sliding slightly to his right, providing a squeamish image where the first instinct of the viewer is to wince and turn away.It does not take a wild, imaginative leap to hypothesize that the challenge could lead to serious injury, such is the defender’s landing and the point of contact. This perception is only enhanced by Muharemović, clearly in initial pain, beating the floor.In the second replay shown to the on-field referee, the video is slowed down as Balogun makes contact with the opponent. On a third replay, it is initially played at normal speed, but then frozen at the point of contact, and the challenge is played out in slow motion, presenting the incident in the least flattering light possible for Balogun.
Was this worthy of a red card? 🟥 pic.twitter.com/WfrIxMRNMD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
RED CARD! 🔴
Goalscorer Folarin Balogun is sent off for the USA 😳 pic.twitter.com/L37M1uiodE
