Europeans Prove They’re Whiny, Entitled Brats After Officials Reverse US Star's Punishment
Total losers
Once again, Europeans are proving that they are whiny, entitled brats.
U.S. Men’s Soccer star Folarin Balogun was sent off during the team’s 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knock-out round of 32. The ref made an awful decision in giving Balogun a red card, as the U.S. striker clearly did not intend to step on the opposing player’s ankle. Usually, these types of obvious errors will get overturned mid-game by the VAR (Virtual Assistant Referee) system. But that didn’t happen, sparking outrage among American fans. (RELATED: US Soccer Star Gets Punishment Suspended, Trump Reportedly Asked FIFA For Review)
President Donald Trump and a team of lawyers reportedly pressed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with Trump calling Infantino personally, to sort out the matter and get the suspension reversed for the round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday (when a player receives a red card, not only must he leave the game, but he is also suspended for the next one). The efforts were successful, and FIFA is now allowing Balogun to play.
Cue the hysterics from Europeans and other global soccer fans who now believe Trump has corrupted the World Cup. Belgium tried to appeal the decision in a last-minute bid to weaken Team USA. But FIFA smacked them down.
As one X user pointed out, FIFA was entirely operating within its own rules when it reversed Balogun’s suspension. This is how the process is supposed to work.
“Even if Balogun deserved a red (he didn’t), the referee misused VAR under FIFA’s own rules. That resulted in a red card that couldn’t be appealed. FIFA then correctly used Article 27 to review and suspend the ban because the initial VAR error led to an unappealable decision,” he wrote.
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So, Europeans are wrong about the red card on a factual basis. But the drama and petty pushback from the Belgians also show a wide gulf between European and American sports cultures.
Of course, Belgium fought to nerf Team USA because Balogun is one of the best players on the team and has been on fire this tournament. Belgium, on the other hand, has been entirely lackluster and barely scraped by against Senegal in the round of 32. Despite having some superstar names in their squad, the Belgians have played like wet blankets. They need every bit of help they can get to beat Team USA. Instead of facing FIFA’s decision like real athletes embracing the challenge and their fate, they are making a desperate attempt to keep Balogun on the bench. It’s pathetic and weak.
If the situation were inverted, Americans would welcome the return of an opposing team’s superstar, unlike the Belgians. They would say, “Bring it on. We’re still gonna beat you. With or without your best player.” They would want to win against the best team possible to prove they belong in this tournament; that they can compete with the top dogs.
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