Feelings have been excessive for the USA Males's Nationwide Staff following Monday's 1-0 loss to Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium.
Not solely did the loss knock the U.S. out of the America's Cup — making it the primary ever host nation to not advance previous the group stage — however the match was marred by controversial calls, together with one which dominated Uruguay's solely objective dominated offside.
After the ultimate whistle, American star Christian Pulisic walked over to move referee Kevin Ortega and requested him to “stroll to the center” of the pitch the place the gamers have been. Pulisic walked in direction of the officers to shake their fingers, and Ortega rejected his gesture.
Many speculated that Ortega took offense to Pulisic's feedback, which may very well be taken as Pulisic saying he ought to have fun with Uruguay for his position of their victory. Others prompt that Pulisic merely needed the referees to get nearer to the gamers.
This isn’t the primary time that Ortega has been on the heart of controversy. Within the 2022 Copa Libertadores, Ortega was criticized for awarding a controversial penalty to Boca Juniors. After the match, Bolivian police discovered Boca Juniors jerseys in Ortega's cabin, which he mentioned was a customary gesture of a profitable crew.
Ortega is a Peruvian who has been a FIFA worldwide referee since 2019. Earlier than that, he was a referee within the Peruvian Primera División for 4 years.
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