American fans were left stunned by the referee’s decision to send off Folarin Balogun against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The USMNT striker was shown a red card for serious foul play on Bosnian defender
Tarik Muharemovic in the second half.
Balogun’s challenge on Muharemovic’s Achilles looked nasty in slow-motion, but it was clearly accidental.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has since led the complaints about the red card, as Balogun will be suspended for the Round of 16.
Many American supporters on social media have now asked President Donald Trump to overturn Balogun’s suspension.
Even though Trump has a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it remains a far-fetched idea.
Why USMNT fans brought Donald Trump into the reaction to Folarin Balogun’s suspension
A Democratic USMNT fan made the hilarious suggestion on X that he would join the Republican Party if Trump overturns Balogun’s suspension.
“Donald Trump, make that call to Infantino and get Balo back for the Belgium game, and I’ll join MAGA,” he wrote.
Although he was almost certainly joking, dozens of American fans jumped on the bandwagon in the replies.
Two responses read: “Seems like an easy win everyone will love,” and, “I promise you I’m getting that MAGA hat if he makes that call.”
“I concur, and I’ll make sure to keep Texas red in the coming state elections along with all my lib friends,” another said.
“F— it, Trump third term if he gets Balo out of jail. Would immediately be any president’s greatest accomplishment,” a USMNT fan added.
Meanwhile, one X user admitted he expected Trump to influence the World Cup in the United States’ favour.
“I thought at the beginning Trumpie would rig it for us, but this whole tournament seems to be against us,” they commented.
Unfortunately for the USMNT, they cannot appeal the referee’s decision and Balogun will miss their Round of 16 clash with Belgium.
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