The US males's nationwide crew's rocky exit from the Copa America group stage took a controversial flip after the hosts' 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Monday, when one of many referees refused to shake US captain Christian Pulisic's hand on the pitch.
The incident occurred whereas each groups had been nonetheless on the sphere, with Uruguay celebrating whereas the American gamers processed their earlier-than-expected exit. As Pulisic rapidly shook fingers with head coach Gregg Berhalter, he noticed a number of members of the officiating crew, obtained their consideration and pointed to the middle circle.
He then headed over to the umpires he had noticed, famous once more and pointed in the direction of the middle of the sphere earlier than shaking fingers with one of many umpires. Nonetheless, one other official declined the handshake and held his fingers behind his again as Pulisic prolonged his hand. The American captain made one other comment earlier than persevering with.
It's unclear what Pulisic stated at any level within the trade.
The USMNT had been in a do-or-die recreation on Monday to salvage their Copa America marketing campaign, however fell brief towards a Uruguayan aspect that’s seen as a contender to win the entire thing. The high-pressure state of affairs was additional exacerbated by the crew of referees led by Kevin Ortega from Peru. Ortega et al. a number of exhausting tackles went unpunished whereas gamers from each groups left the sport with damage considerations – Uruguay's Maximiliano Araujo left the sport within the first half on a stretcher and carrying a neck brace, whereas American Folarin Balogun additionally left the sport. recreation earlier than half-time with a hip damage after a collision with Sergio Rochet. The USMNT's Joe Scally additionally doubtlessly picked up a leg damage earlier than the break after a problem from Darwin Nunez, who was then proven a yellow card.
Members of the U.S. crew principally selected to not discuss in regards to the referee after the sport, however Berhalter did reply to a query about the one purpose of the sport. Mathias Olivera scored with a header within the 66th minute, however the purpose required a prolonged video earlier than Uruguay got the inexperienced gentle. The refereeing crew checked for offside and dominated that American Chris Richards was holding Oliver in place, however Berhalter stated he was stunned by the decision.
“It's fairly loopy, actually,” he stated. “I don't perceive it. I really feel like I do know the rule fairly nicely. I really feel like we had these photos displaying how the rule will be interpreted and it's an offside purpose. It's disappointing, it truly is, but it surely occurs. ” in soccer and naturally we have now to reside with it.”
The USMNT completed third in Group C, behind first place Uruguay and second place Panama. Though anticipated to advance to the quarterfinals, the U.S. fell brief, first with a stunning 2-1 loss to Panama final Thursday. The Copa America marks the USMNT's last aggressive matches outdoors of the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup till the 2026 World Cup on dwelling soil.
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