Looking to qualify for a knockout stage spot in the 2024 Copa America, the United States made life much more difficult on themselves in the second group match against Panama.
A win in Atlanta would mathematically secure a quarterfinal spot, but a draw or loss would leave them vulnerable in the final group stage game against Uruguay.
It seemed the U.S. had the opening goal just five minutes in, but Weston McKennie’s thumping strike was nullified on VAR as Tim Ream was offside in the buildup. Then, in the 18th minute, it all went downhill as Tim Weah was sent off, leaving the United States a man down for the majority of the match.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about how long Tim Weah will be suspended and the effect it could have on the USMNT going forward.
FOLLOW LIVE: USA vs. Panama in Copa America action
Why was Tim Weah given red card vs. Panama?
U.S. winger Tim Weah was given a straight red card in the 18th minute of the Copa America group match against Panama for an unsporting play off the ball.
With the U.S. in possession of the ball in midfield, Weah was jockeying for position with Panama defender Roderick Miller in the attacking half. The 24-year-old seemed to be frustrated with the physicality of the game, and began to let it out.
Weah took two shots at the head of Miller, the second of which made contact. Miller went to ground dramatically, and the referee blew his whistle for a foul and showed a yellow card to Weah. However, VAR took a look and advised the official to have another look, and after seeing a replay on the pitchside monitor, decided to send Weah off.
Tim Weah receives a red card after review for this contact 🟥 pic.twitter.com/phw8bSzdKR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024
How long is Tim Weah suspended?
As a result of his red card against Panama, Tim Weah will be given a one-game suspension, per the Copa America official rules and regulations.
This means he will miss the final group stage match against Uruguay, but could return for a potential knockout game in the quarterfinals should the U.S. reach that stage.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the incident, further disciplinary action, such as extended bans, may be imposed by CONMEBOL so Weah may have a nervous wait to discover if he receives further punishment.
Tim Weah apologizes for red card vs. Panama
Following the conclusion of the match, which the U.S. lost 2-1 to Panama, Tim Weah issued an apology on his social media account.
“Today, I let my team and my country down,” Weah said. “A moment of frustration led to an irreversible consequence, and for that, I am deeply sorry to my teammates, coaches, family, and our fans.
“Moving forward, I am committed to learning from this experience, not allowing an opponent to provoke me, and working to regain the trust and respect of my team and supporters. No matter what, I will always fight for my team and my country til the day I’m no longer needed or capable to.”
Who was referee for USA vs. Panama?
The match official for USA vs. Panama was Ivan Barton of El Salvador.
Barton is one of the most experienced referees in North America, having officiated the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final and chosen to officiate three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including the 3-0 win for England over Senegal in the Round of 16.
However, Barton has faced criticism in the past for his handling of physicality, especially in games involving the United States. He was the source of ire in the 2022/23 CONCACAF Nations League semifinals when the U.S. beat Mexico 3-0, completely losing control of the match and trying to make up for it by issuing an excessive amount of cards, ultimately dishing out eight yellow cards and three red cards.
He angered many U.S. fans again in the match against Panama at the Copa America when he sent Tim Weah off in the 18th minute, but failed to book Panama players for their excessive fouling in an attempt to stop counter-attacks, allowing them to commit fouls in transition without further punishment. Early in the second half, he gave Panama a penalty which was later negated by VAR review, only furthering the ire of U.S. fans.
