When ever the United States Men’s National Team plays Mexico in a soccer match, things usually get pretty intense, however, what happened during the game on Thursday evening in the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals hit a whole new level. The U.S. pulled out a 3-0 victory over its rival, but that wasn’t the big story of the evening.
According to news outlet OutKicked, there were four red cards during the game, with two players from each team being booted. Add to that the fact that supporters of Mexico were chanting what have been referred to as homophobic slurs, and you get an early whistle to call the game while there was still time left to play.
Individuals who attended the game and captured video footage of the incident said that you could hear the controversial chants throughout the match, which took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The referee presiding over the game halted the action in the 90th minute because of the chants from the crowd, blowing the whistle within the eighth minute of stoppage with four minutes left of game play.
The chant. pic.twitter.com/s8ZBJ627C1
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 16, 2023
“In terms of the chant, I want to make it very clear first and foremost, for our beliefs and our culture, it has no place in the game,” USMNT interim coach B.J. Callaghan went on to say after the conclusion of the match. “It has no place in our value system.”
As stated before, things on the field were also pretty intense. During the 69th minute of play, Folarian Balogun was tackled from behind. That resulted in both benches clearing and USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie achieved legend status his shirt was ripped at the collar and he kissed the USA badge on it and walked off the field.
“The boys told me it was going to be intense, but I’m definitely still shocked by the events,” Balogun stated after the game.
Things escalated after Folarin Balogun was tackled on this play.
(via @CBSSportsGolazo) pic.twitter.com/NGnVds6PPG
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 16, 2023
INJECT THIS IN MY VEINS 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/NVPdBBbcgQ
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 16, 2023
Fifteen minutes passed, but none of the intensity was dialed down. Sergino Dest wasn’t a big fan of getting tackled himself and decided to strike back, which inspired Mexican fans in the stands to join in by tossing trash at players.
Sergino Dest red card.
(via @CBSSportsGolazo) pic.twitter.com/kFtAPwKUXj
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 16, 2023
Along with the four red cards, there were nine yellow cards distributed during the match. It was a wild, wild night.
"*" indicates required fields