RabiuEnglish FA May Appeal Jarell Quansah’s Red Card vs Mexico
FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card could prompt England to appeal Jarell Quansah’s sending-off in the win over Mexico.
Quansah saw red in the 54th minute of the Three Lions’ famous victory over the Mexicans at the Azteca. The former Liverpool defender slid in to win the ball but unintentionally left his studs on Mexican left-back Jesus Gallardo.
Thomas Tuchel slammed the officiating during the game, including VAR’s decision to intervene and send referee Alireza Faghani to the pitchside monitor. The German’s frustrations appear to be shared by the FA.
FA Consider Appealing Quansah Red Card
According to Sky Sports, the FA are considering an appeal against Quansah’s red card, although no decision has been made. They are weighing up all options ahead of England’s quarter-final clash with Norway on Saturday.
The incident occurred after the Three Lions were 2-1 ahead following Jude Bellingham’s first-half brace. Julian Quinones equalised on the stroke of half-time before Tuchel’s men were reduced to ten men early in the second half.
England were awarded a penalty after Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought Anthony Gordon down in the box. Harry Kane put his side 3-1 up from the spot, but more controversy took hold in the 69th minute.
Mexico were awarded a penalty, which Raul Jimenez tucked away to ignite a chaotic finish to the game. Tuchel’s troops held on and secured a huge win in an all-time classic at the Azteca.
Question 1 of 20 GIVEMESPORT
‘Not Good Enough’ – What Tuchel Said
Tuchel celebrated the victory with his players before speaking to the media and ripping into the officiating. The German hit out at the two VAR calls that saw Quansah sent off and Mexico awarded a penalty when Brian Gutierrez went down under a challenge from Kane.
The England boss told BBC Sport: “It’s just not good enough. Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough. It’s the bottom line. Is this a clear and obvious mistake for the [Mexico] penalty? For sure not, but VAR gets involved. They overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul. Not good enough.”
With Quansah set to miss Saturday’s clash with Norway at Miami Stadium, Tuchel has been handed another headache at right-back. The position has been cursed during the tournament.
Tino Livramento dropped out of the squad on the eve of the 4-2 opening win against Croatia due to injury. Reece James has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.
There is hope that James will be fit to face the Norwegians, who beat Brazil 2-1 on Sunday. Djed Spence is another option, although he struggled in the role in the 2-1 win against DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Keir Starmer ‘Personally Stepped in’ to Make England vs Mexico Demand
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is believed to have also influenced a decision at the World Cup amid US President Donald Trump’s call to FIFA.
There has been huge controversy at the World Cup in recent days due to the Folarin Balogun saga. Trump has confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request the overturning of Balogun’s red card.
The American striker was sent off in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Trump’s call to Infantino led to FIFA suspending Balogun’s one-game ban, and he could be available against Belgium in tomorrow’s quarter-final barring an appeal from the Belgian FA.
England fans are now pondering whether the UK government can step in and convince FIFA to suspend Jarell Quansah’s red card. The right-back was sent off in the Three Lions’ thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico last night in the Round of 16.
Starmer Prevented England vs Mexico Change
Thomas Tuchel’s men beat the co-hosts in an all-time classic at the Azteca in the early hours of Monday morning. Jude Bellingham’s brace and Harry Kane’s penalty sent their country through to the quarter-finals despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.
The Balogun controversy came a day after another surrounding the kick-off time for England’s match against Mexico. There had been reports suggesting that the game would be moved to a later time due to weather and safety concerns.
FIFA were believed to be considering rescheduling the match from 1 am to a 7 pm kick-off time in the UK. Some in the Mexican media even claimed that the BBC had held discussions with FIFA to make the change for broadcast reasons.
The Sun reports that Starmer “personally stepped in” to prevent FIFA bringing the game forward. He feared Mexico were trying to gain an unfair advantage because Tuchel’s side had less time to prepare and adapt to the altitude.
A source told the outlet: “The Mexicans were really talking up the storm and were pressing to move the game. But Keir was having none of it and suspected they were trying to derail the England preparations by giving less time to adapt to the altitude, so he put his foot down.”
The best game at this summer’s tournament thus far took place at its original kickoff time, although play was delayed for an hour due to thunderstorms. The altitude proved less of an issue than many predicted as Tuchel’s side secured a famous victory, becoming the first team to beat Mexico at the Azteca in World Cup competition.
Starmer’s patriotism also saw him intervene to ensure pubs stayed open until 5 am in the UK. An emergency law was put in place allowing fans to watch the game down the local in the early hours of the morning.
Question 1 of 20
Starmer to Intervene in Quansah Red Card?
As soon as Quansah saw red in England’s win over Mexico, many speculated that Starmer could take the same action as Trump over Balogun’s sending off. The former Liverpool defender left his studs on Mexican left-back Jesus Gallardo with a sliding tackle.
There has been an acceptance within the English media that Alireza Faghani got the decision right. But Tuchel wasn’t happy with the officiating and bemoaned several calls made during the game, including the awarding of a penalty to the co-hosts.
FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun’s red card after Trump contacted Infantino. Education minister Olivia Bailey has suggested Starmer might follow suit given the precedent set (via Sky News): “What I’m supposed to say is politicians shouldn’t interfere in sports. But knowing the Prime Minister, he’s probably already texting him. Whatever we need to do, it’s coming home.”
It does seem unlikely that Starmer and the English FA would attempt to get involved and force FIFA to use Article 27 in this situation. Balogun’s sending off came under contentious circumstances, with many believing it didn’t warrant a red card.
Donald Trump’s ‘Expert Lawyers’ Made Sure Folarin Balogun Can Play in USA vs BelgiumDonald Trump’s administration reportedly got more involved in the Folarin Balogun case than either the White House or FIFA will admit.
That said, the referee’s decision should be final and Trump’s call to FIFA has tarnished this summer’s World Cup. If England are going to win the tournament, they will be doing it the right way.
Bangerboy