Marco Rubio shows support for USMNT after Balogun's controversial red card rules striker out

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in on one of the biggest talking points from the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, July 2, saying the US men's national soccer team (USMNT) was unfairly treated after striker Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card during its knockout-stage victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Speaking a day after the match, Rubio argued that the decision changed the game unnecessarily and even suggested FIFA should have an appeal process for calls like this.

His remarks came as Balogun's suspension was confirmed, ruling the striker out of the United States' next World Cup match against Belgium.

Marco Rubio says USMNT ‘got screwed’ by controversial call

Rubio was asked about the United States' performance after the team secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.

While praising the result, he quickly turned his attention to the refereeing decision that sent Balogun off.

"It was great," Rubio said. "They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that."

The incident happened shortly after the hour mark when Balogun was shown a red card for foul play after stepping on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović.

Despite losing their leading striker, the Americans held on to win 2-0 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, securing their first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 2002.

Mauricio Pochettino says Folarin Balogun should not have been sent off

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino also questioned the referee's decision after reviewing the incident.

According to the coach, the challenge did not deserve a straight red card.

"Never" a red card, Pochettino said, explaining that Balogun's action was unintentional.

He added that accidentally stepping on another player is a "normal action" in soccer and should not have resulted in a sending-off.

Under FIFA rules, the red card carries an automatic one-match suspension, meaning Balogun will miss the United States' round-of-16 clash against Belgium on Monday.

According to The Athletic, citing a FIFA official, the suspension cannot be appealed.

Other US officials also criticize the decision

Rubio was not the only public official to speak out after the match.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr also criticized the decision, writing on social media, "Red card there is a total bunk."

Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joined the conversation with a tongue-in-cheek post that referenced a recent court case involving college football.

"BTW, if we want that red card reversed, Texas Tech has offered up a judge in the Lubbock that can take the case," Miyares wrote.

His comment referred to a recent legal dispute involving Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who successfully obtained a temporary injunction from a judge after the NCAA ruled him ineligible because of sports betting violations.