World Cup: Belgium console Folarin Balogun but insist ‘justice’ was served in 4-1 win over USA

Belgium’s Nicolas Raskin says the 4-1 World Cup win over the United States feels like a measure of “fairness” after Folarin Balogun was allowed to play for the hosts despite a red card in the previous match.

Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.

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While a dismissal would normally carry an automatic one-match ban, FIFA suspended the sanction under Article 27 of its disciplinary code.

The decision came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the case.

“Shameful” FIFA decision on Balogun

FIFA has always insisted on its political neutrality. But his integrity is now being questioned after US President Donald Trump confirmed he has asked for a review of Folarin Balogun’s suspension.

Infantino said FIFA’s judiciary operates “independently and autonomously.”

He claimed to have told Trump that Balogun’s case was “under litigation.”

FIFA’s disciplinary committee said it “has the power to suspend the suspension for one match.”

The decision drew widespread criticism, including from the Belgian Football Federation, which unsuccessfully challenged Balogun’s eligibility for the match hours before kick-off.

Belgium, however, made the controversy irrelevant on the field by beating the USA in Seattle to reach the quarter-finals.

“I think somewhere in life there has always been… justice, and the fact that something can happen, you can say whatever you want… we don’t think it was fair,” Raskin told reporters.

“And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck. We needed to win the game and the message throughout.”

“Not his fault”

Belgium’s Instagram account posted a photo of Romelu Lukaku celebrating his team’s fourth goal with the caption: “Cancel this.”

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, however, played down the row in his post-match press conference when asked if it had motivated his players.

Folarin Balogun (left) is consoled by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia. (Getty Images: David Ramos)

“It wasn’t necessary … what really mattered to us was our game plan,” Garcia said.

Garcia said he spoke to Balogun after the final whistle.

“He came to talk to me, I really like it,” Garcia said.

“It’s not his fault, it’s not his fault, and that’s what I told him.”

Belgium will face Spain in Los Angeles on Saturday morning EST for a spot in the semi-finals.

Reuters