Ex-ÖFB Player on USA Red Card: "Double Standards Are Applied"

The USA is in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina (to the highlights>>>).

A red card for the co-host caused a stir: After around 60 minutes, Folarin Balogun had to leave the field early. The US striker hit former Bundesliga professional Tarik Muharemović on the ankle with an open sole.

Following VAR intervention, referee Raphael Claus corrected his original decision and showed Balogun the red card.

Comparison with Messi Controversy

"For me, that's not a red card," says "ORF" expert and former ÖFB national team player Michael Liendl, referring to the controversial scene involving Lionel Messi.

In Argentina's first match against Algeria, the exceptional talent had also gone in with an open sole from behind into the calf of Algerian defender Aissa Mandi.

Liendl cannot understand why Balogun was sent off, while Messi didn't even receive a yellow card. "Double standards are being applied!" criticizes the 40-year-old.

For Balogun, the sending off has bitter consequences: The forward, who has already scored three times in this World Cup, will miss the round of 16 and will be sorely missed by the team.