President Donald Trump sharply criticized FIFA referee Raphael Claus on Monday from the White House after Claus issued a red card to U.S. men’s soccer star Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match. Trump described the referee as “a little bit suspect if you check his past,” referencing previous accusations of match fixing against Claus.

The red card was given following a video assistant referee (VAR) review that showed Balogun stepping on the ankle of a Bosnia Herzegovina player during a match on Wednesday. Trump argued that the incident was accidental, stating, “That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other.” He further said, “These were two great athletes who got tangled and this referee who is a little bit suspect if you check his past made a call that nobody could believe.”

Trump defended Balogun, calling him one of the U.S. team’s best players and asserting that he “didn’t do anything wrong.” He also criticized the timing of the penalty, saying, “It’s one thing to penalize somebody for the game, but how do you penalize them for a game that hasn’t even been played yet? It’s very unfair.”

A One Fox announcer covering the game remarked that Balogun was somewhat fortunate not to receive a yellow card instead, which would not have led to disqualification.

The Royal Belgian Football Association has appealed FIFA’s decision, expressing astonishment over the reversal of Balogun’s suspension.

Sources