USMNT's Balogun Red Card Sparks Debate Over VAR Rules and Referee Decision Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday night. The incident occurred as Balogun and Muharemović contested for a ball bouncing toward them. The contact, which appeared accidental, resulted in Balogun stepping on Muharemović's leg. While the action was initially deemed non-foul by referee Raphael Claus, the decision to eject Balogun and impose a one-game suspension has raised questions about the application of VAR rules. Claus did not call a foul during the play, as the whistle only blew after the ball went out of play. The referee then motioned for Bosnia and Herzegovina's training staff to enter the field. According to VAR guidelines, slow-motion replays should be reserved for factual assessments, such as the position of players or the point of contact for physical offenses. However, the replays Claus reviewed included dramatic slow-motion footage and freeze frames that emphasized the intensity of the foul, potentially violating the rules by using such replays to judge the severity of the action. The FIFA broadcast showed the slow-motion replays to viewers, including a second replay that dramatically slowed the incident. Another freeze frame captured Muharemović's ankle twisting on the ground, further highlighting the brutality of the contact. While the rulebook uses the word "should" for slow-motion use, the interpretation here suggests it was applied to evaluate the offense's intensity, which is not explicitly permitted. Balogun's foul, though appearing accidental, was deemed particularly harsh in slow motion. A yellow card, which could have been issued at the time of the incident, was not given.#usmnt #balogun #muharemovi #raphael_claus #world_cup_round_of_32
