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VAR inconsistencies questioned after controversial Folarin Balogun red card in USMNT World Cup win
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez criticized the inconsistent use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card in the USA's 2-0 World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Balogun was sent off after VAR reviewed him stepping on an opponent's leg, a decision that will sideline the US leading scorer for the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium.
- US coach Mauricio Pochettino and Gomez both highlighted a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament that went unpunished, underscoring perceived inconsistency in VAR decisions.
- Gomez emphasized that while Balogun's red card might be justified upon slow-motion review, the uneven application of VAR rules frustrates players, fans, and analysts alike.
- The incident raises concerns about VAR's impact on crucial World Cup matches, especially when key players face differing treatment for similar fouls.
