Balogun calls red card against Bosnia 'incorrect' as USA prepare to face Belgium without him

Folarin Balogun has broken his silence over the red card that will rule him out of the United States’ World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium on Monday, describing the decision as incorrect and the contact with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic as entirely accidental.

Balogun had scored his third goal of the tournament to give the US an early lead against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday before being sent off in the second half after landing on Muharemovic’s ankle. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino had already labelled the contact “accidental”, and Balogun reinforced that view when he spoke to reporters ahead of training on Friday in Seattle.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, there’s been lots of different emotions,” Balogun said. “I’ve been sad, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest. It’s important for me to say, obviously, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. I don’t think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair.”

Despite the suspension, Balogun said he remained determined to contribute to the squad’s preparations. “Just to support the boys, support the team,” he said. “I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and what we’re doing. I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high.”

The forward also reflected on the whiplash nature of his evening against Bosnia, describing NBA legend LeBron James’ reaction to his goal celebration as “a surreal moment” that had been quickly overshadowed by the realisation he would sit out the Belgium tie.

The US squad appeared in good spirits during Friday’s training session, which was followed by a visit to a nearby ballpark, with defender Tim Ream drawing particular praise at the plate as Pochettino prepared to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners’ game.