"Man Boobs": Bizarre Online Controversy Around England Legend

It is one of the big controversies of the World Cup: the lifting of the ban on US striker Folarin Balogun.

The 25-year-old AS Monaco attacker had received a red card in the USA's 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 and would have been suspended for the round of 16 match against Belgium.

However, US President Donald Trump then intervened and arranged with FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ban to be suspended on probation.

Balogun was in the starting eleven against Belgium, but the USA subsequently had to say goodbye to the tournament with a 1-4 defeat.

Spat on X

The lifting of Balogun's ban was sharply criticised from several quarters. However, one person welcomed the FIFA decision: Rio Ferdinand (47).

The 81-cap former England international reacted on X with three applause emojis to the news that Balogun would be allowed to play in the round of 16 against Belgium. A bizarre online dispute then ensued.

Controversial presenter Piers Morgan showed incomprehension at Ferdinand's applause and reacted on X with a repost. He asked: "Really?"

A day later, Ferdinand suddenly spoke up: "Tuck your man boobs back into your belt, you..."

Morgan's reply: "One of us is definitely behaving like a massive a******** over this... and it isn't me, bro."

Sharp Criticism in England

In a discussion round, Ferdinand later justified his reaction, saying that he wanted to see the best players. However, he admitted that FIFA's decision had not been correct.

In his home country, the Manchester United legend certainly fell from grace.

The tabloid "Daily Mail" titled an opinion piece as follows: "As disgusting Rio Ferdinand breaks his silence on the fierce criticism of his FIFA lobbying, this may be the final nail in the coffin for his career as a TV pundit."