World Cup 2026

[cardinalkarp]

I’m not following the WC, was the red card justified?

[cardsfantx]

I’m not following the WC, was the red card justified?

it should never have been given in the first place, no....nearly everyone from every country agrees on that.

but the red card should also have never been suspended so he can play today either.

[CardsofSTL]

So if the Red Card should never have been given, why is suspending it the wrong ruling?

[Famous Mortimer]

So if the Red Card should never have been given, why is suspending it the wrong ruling?

Firstly, I'm not sure it's quite that cut-and-dry about it not being worth a red card. It was a borderline case, even if it might not have been a red with most refs.

Secondly, the red's not been rescinded, just the punishment for it. Like I said above, it's been a very very long time since a red card (or two separate yellows) didn't result in a one match ban at the World Cup. This famously happened to an English player in 1990, in the semi-final no less.

FIFA is one of the most corrupt organizations in sporting history, so them and the person asking them are a match made in heaven. All I hope is this decision doesn't affect the result of the next game, as it'll be a [expletive].

[CardsofSTL]

So if the Red Card should never have been given, why is suspending it the wrong ruling?

Firstly, I'm not sure it's quite that cut-and-dry about it not being worth a red card. It was a borderline case, even if it might not have been a red with most refs.

Secondly, the red's not been rescinded, just the punishment for it. Like I said above, it's been a very very long time since a red card (or two separate yellows) didn't result in a one match ban at the World Cup. This famously happened to an English player in 1990, in the semi-final no less.

FIFA is one of the most corrupt organizations in sporting history, so them and the person asking them are a match made in heaven. All I hope is this decision doesn't affect the result of the next game, as it'll be a [expletive].

Well I hope we win I guess.

[Popeye_Card]

It just sucks that once again the dark cloud of the Trump administration has to generate controversy around a major sporting event. It is exhausting. (I know - belongs in Politics.)

[cardsfantx]

So if the Red Card should never have been given, why is suspending it the wrong ruling?

Firstly, I'm not sure it's quite that cut-and-dry about it not being worth a red card. It was a borderline case, even if it might not have been a red with most refs.

Secondly, the red's not been rescinded, just the punishment for it. Like I said above, it's been a very very long time since a red card (or two separate yellows) didn't result in a one match ban at the World Cup. This famously happened to an English player in 1990, in the semi-final no less.

FIFA is one of the most corrupt organizations in sporting history, so them and the person asking them are a match made in heaven. All I hope is this decision doesn't affect the result of the next game, as it'll be a [expletive].

Messi should have been given a red card as well that same week, if it was that "borderline". I don't agree that it was.

And not in the World Cup no, but Ronaldo was given a 3 game punishment in the qualifier that was to have taken place in these World Cup games, but that was suspended also, so it's not unprecedented or anything like that.

[Famous Mortimer]

Messi should have been given a red card as well that same week, if it was that "borderline". I don't agree that it was.

And not in the World Cup no, but Ronaldo was given a 3 game punishment in the qualifier that was to have taken place in these World Cup games, but that was suspended also, so it's not unprecedented or anything like that.

That you think a different player in a different game should have received a red card isn't an argument against Balogun receiving his.

"And not in the World Cup" - you pre-answered your own point. I don't think Ronaldo should have escaped his suspension either. Again, doesn't make the President calling FIFA and "asking" them to change their decision right.

[cardsfantx]

Messi should have been given a red card as well that same week, if it was that "borderline". I don't agree that it was.

And not in the World Cup no, but Ronaldo was given a 3 game punishment in the qualifier that was to have taken place in these World Cup games, but that was suspended also, so it's not unprecedented or anything like that.

That you think a different player in a different game should have received a red card isn't an argument against Balogun receiving his.

"And not in the World Cup" - you pre-answered your own point. I don't think Ronaldo should have escaped his suspension either. Again, doesn't make the President calling FIFA and "asking" them to change their decision right.

no one said anything to the contrary; in fact I said Balogun should not be allowed to play?

Messi shouldn't have been given a red card, and neither should Balogun. They were literately the exact same play. There was nothing egregious and neither player had anywhere to put their leg down besides where they did.

I'm just saying the rules have to be consistent from game to game, player to player. You cannot tell me that the only reason Messi's was not even LOOKED at was because, well his name is Messi.

And Ronaldo's was a qualifier for this World Cup and affected these World Cup games. It's absolutely relevant. It's not like it was a red card from some game in the Saudi League. It was a World Cup qualifier game for these World Cup games.

[ghostrunner]

It just sucks that once again the dark cloud of the Trump administration has to generate controversy around a major sporting event. It is exhausting. (I know - belongs in Politics.)

IMO if the POTUS inserts himself into something, you’re good.