Looking to qualify for a spot in the knockout stages of the 2024 Copa America, the United States made life much more difficult for itself in its second group match against Panama.
A win in Atlanta would mathematically secure a place in the quarter-finals, but a draw or defeat would leave them vulnerable in the final group game against Uruguay.
It looked like the United States had opened the scoring after five minutes, but Weston McKennie’s powerful shot was ruled out by VAR because Tim Ream was offside. Then, in the 18th minute, it all went down the drain when Tim Weah was sent off, leaving the United States a man down for most of the match.
Jugo Mobile has everything you need to know about how long Tim Weah will be suspended and the effect it could have on the USMNT going forward.
WATCH LIVE: United States vs. Panama in Copa America action
Why was Tim Weah given a red card vs. Panama?
US winger Tim Weah received a straight red card in the 18th minute of the Copa America group stage match against Panama for unsportsmanlike play without the ball.
With the United States in possession of the ball in midfield, Weah was jostling for position with Panama defender Roderick Miller in the attacking half. The 24-year-old appeared to be getting frustrated with the physical play and began to get carried away.
Weah fired two shots at Miller’s head, with the second one making contact with the head. Miller fell to the ground in dramatic fashion and the referee blew a foul and showed Weah a yellow card. However, the VAR reviewed the match and advised the referee to review it again. After watching the replay on the pitchside monitor, he decided to send Weah off.
Tim Weah receives a red card after the review for this contact ? image.twitter.com/phw8bSzdKR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024
How long will Tim Weah be suspended?
As a result of his red card against Panama, Tim Weah will receive a one-game suspension. according to the official rules of the Copa América and regulations.
That means he will miss the final group game against Uruguay, but could return for a potential knockout match in the quarterfinals if the United States makes it to that stage.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the incident, CONMEBOL may impose additional disciplinary measures, such as extended bans, so Weah may have to wait nervously to find out if he receives further punishments.
Tim Weah apologizes for red card against Panama
After the conclusion of the match, which the United States lost 2-1 to Panama, Tim Weah apologized on your social media account.
“Today I let my team and my country down,” Weah said. “A moment of frustration had an irreversible consequence and for that I am deeply sorry to my teammates, coaches, family and our fans.
“From now on, I am committed to learning from this experience, not allowing any opponent to provoke me, and working to regain the trust and respect of my team and my fans. No matter what happens, I will always fight for my team and for my country until the day they no longer need me or I can’t do it.
Who was the referee for the United States vs Panama match?
The referee for the match between the United States and Panama was Ivan Barton of El Salvador.
Barton is one of the most experienced referees in North America, having officiated the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Final and being chosen to referee three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16.
However, Barton has faced criticism in the past for his handling of physicality, especially in games involving the United States. He was a source of ire in the 2022/23 CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals when the United States beat Mexico 3-0, completely losing control of the match and attempting to compensate by issuing an excessive number of cards, eventually giving out eight yellow cards. cards and three red cards.
In the match against Panama in the Copa América, he again angered many American fans when he sent off Tim Weah in the 18th minute, but he did not caution the Panamanian players for committing excessive fouls in an attempt to stop counterattacks, allowing them commit fouls in transition without further punishment. Early in the second half, he awarded a penalty to Panama that was later overturned by VAR, which only added to the anger of the American fans.