Belgium's Rudi Garcia Praises Balogun After 4-1 Win as FIFA Red-Card Reversal Row Lingers
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
Belgium's Rudi Garcia Praises Balogun After 4-1 Win as FIFA Red-Card Reversal Row Lingers
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
Summary
Rudi Garcia said Folarin Balogun sought him out after Belgium's 4-1 round-of-16 win over the United States, and the Belgium coach praised the striker's gesture, saying the controversy was not Balogun's fault.
Balogun had been cleared to play only a day earlier after FIFA suspended the effect of a red card from the previous match, a decision that drew a Belgian appeal and strong backlash.
Donald Trump said he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review, arguing Balogun's collision was not a foul and saying a ban would have stained the tournament.
The dispute ultimately changed little on the field: Belgium eliminated the host Americans and will face Spain on Friday.