Referee Claus faces sack calls after red card ruins Balogun's World Cup knockout display

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus is facing widespread calls to be removed from World Cup duty after sending off United States striker Folarin Balogun during a 2-0 round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun, who had given the co-hosts the lead with a first-half goal, was shown a red card for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic — a decision that will rule him out of the round of 16 meeting with Belgium.

Claus was prompted to review the incident by his VAR before producing the red card. Balogun appeared to be genuinely attempting to reach a lobbed ball before inadvertently landing on his opponent’s ankle, though he was adjudged to have been well away from the ball at the point of contact. The United States held on to win, with Malik Tillman adding a late free-kick to secure the result.

The decision drew immediate and fierce reaction online. 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 called the decision “absolutely a f*g joke”, adding that the referee “should lose his f***g job” for not even considering a yellow card initially. A further fan demanded: “Deport this ref immediately. That is NEVER a red card in the World Cup.”

Claus, who referees in the Brazilian top flight, attracted pointed commentary from prominent Brazilian accounts as well. “How nice it is to see a game being officiated by Raphael Claus… In another country,” wrote Ole de Brazil to its 1.2 million followers, suggesting the official is not held in high regard at home either.

The red card drew comparisons to a near-identical challenge by Lionel Messi against Algeria in the group stage, for which no card was shown. Balogun also 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.

With Balogun suspended, the United States are expected to turn to PSV forward Ricardo Pepi — who started against Australia and Turkey — when they face Belgium in the next round.