United States males’s nationwide group ahead Tim Weah has been suspended for a further match and fined $3,000 for his crimson card towards Panama on the Copa América, South America’s confederation Conmebol confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.
Weah was ejected from the USMNT’s 2-1 loss to Panama on Thursday within the 18th minute for an extended-arm jab to the again of the pinnacle of Panama defender Roderick Miller.
Weah was already because of miss Monday’s essential group-stage finale towards Uruguay to serve the automated one-game suspension from the crimson card. On Saturday, Conmebol added a further recreation to the suspension, that means Weah will miss a possible quarterfinal ought to the USMNT advance in Copa América.
“I am good, just a bit down clearly with the circumstances,” Weah advised Fox’s Jenny Taft on Saturday. “To place my group on this scenario was by no means my intention. I feel I am getting painted to be like a violent particular person which I am not. And I feel that form of hurts so much.
“And seeing my brothers form of must go a distinct path to get to our most important aim, it actually hurts so much.”
Weah was despatched off on Thursday following a video evaluation. The incident was away from the ball as he tried to get freed from Miller’s defending.
The match was scoreless on the time of the ejection. Folarin Balogun put the USMNT forward 4 minutes after the crimson card, however the U.S. conceded an equalizer inside minutes. USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter switched to a 5-3-1 formation within the second half to attempt to protect the lead, however Panama’s José Fajardo broke the impasse within the 83rd minute to assert all three factors for Panama.
Panama was additionally lowered to 10 gamers within the 88th minute, when Adalberto Carrasquilla was despatched off for a reckless problem on USMNT captain Christian Pulisic.
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After the match, Berhalter referred to as Weah’s motion a “foolish resolution,” and he stated the ahead apologized to the group. Weah additionally issued a public apology on his Instagram account.
“We talked beforehand concerning the tendencies of this referee, we knew what he is able to and to be sincere I feel we performed proper into his arms,” Berhalter advised reporters in a information convention. “And we made that call I feel fairly simple. Tim received bumped, he received checked and he reacted. He apologized to the group, and I feel he understands what a troublesome place he put the group in.
“Nonetheless it occurred and because of this we misplaced this recreation and we’re gonna have to maneuver on and work out how you can win subsequent recreation.”
The loss to Panama leaves the USMNT at risk of a group-stage exit on residence soil at its solely main match forward of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host. A loss or draw towards Uruguay on Monday will depart the U.S. requiring assist from Bolívia towards Panama to advance. The USMNT may beat Uruguay and nonetheless fail to advance if Panama beats Uruguay and makes up the aim distinction, which is at present plus-2 in favor of the People.
“I am simply right here to push them, do the identical issues I used to be doing earlier than, give that power for the group, ensure that the vibes are proper, hold everybody smiling, I feel that is crucial,” Weah stated to Fox. “I want them the perfect, I’ll be with them all through all the pieces, supporting them, ensuring they hold their heads on their shoulders.”
He continued: “I am simply going to do my greatest to verify I am right here current with the group, intentional with the way in which I am supporting the fellows and I feel that is crucial. And simply pray they get the job accomplished, clearly.”
