One rule for Messi, another for Balogun? USA striker sees red in World Cup after controversial VAR call

Folarin Balogun was given a controversial red card after a VAR review in the USA‘s World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday evening.

US striker Balogun, who scored his side’s opener in the first-half, looked in a state of shock after receiving a red card midway through the second-half.

Balogun was tussling for the ball with Tarik Muharemovic before the pair’s legs tangled. Replays, aired in super-slow motion, showed Balogun’s leg scraping down the calf of the Bosnian defender.

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not even give a free-kick, but after play stopped with both players injured, the VAR officials referred Claus to the pitchside screen, where he was shown the incident and the red card was promptly awarded.

Fans and pundits alike were quick to compare the incident to Lionel Messi‘s unpunished challenge in Argentina‘s opening match against Algeria, where the Argentine captain did not receive a card of any colour.

Commentating for the BBC, ex-England women’s striker Sue Smith said of Balogun’s incident: “When it [the replay] stops like that, you think one hundred per cent red card, but I think when you watch it in real time it’s really harsh.

“He’s clearly just looking to protect the ball, get his body around and he’s just planting his foot.

“It’s just unfortunate where he plants it.”

It meant the US had to see out the remaining 25 minutes a man light, but Malik Tillman‘s sumptuous free-kick sealed the victory with eight minutes remaining.

Balogun will receive a minimum one-match suspension for serious foul play, with the prospect of a game or two more should the FIFA disciplinary committee deem it worthy. Such is the regulations laid out in Fifa’s disciplinary code, there are no grounds for an appeal.