After winning their first Copa América game on Sunday, things seemed to be on a roll for the USMNT. Unfortunately for their cause, that did not last long as they dropped the ball in their clash against Panama, where fans seem to find a man to blame.
The player in question is none other than Tim Weah, who was sent off during the first half of the game after being caught hitting Panama's Roderick Miller with a closed fist. Referee Iván Barton did not see the incident first hand, which prompted VAR to step in and tell him what had happened.
The ref took little time to decide what to do, as he waited almost no time to show Weah a red card. Have a look at the incident here (Image might be geo-restricted).
Tim Weah receives a red card after review for this contact pic.twitter.com/phw8bSzdKR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024
Fans did not wait to take aim at Weah, judging him for what this loss could mean for the USMNT.
Tim Weah highlights vs Panama pic.twitter.com/JAPHmedLLQ
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) June 27, 2024
This loss is on Tim Weah, simple. Getting a red card in 18th min is a wrecking ball.
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) June 28, 2024
Gregg Berhalter did not hit right buttons after, and well now has one game to save his job IMO.
It's a hot mess right now.. 90 mins to fix it.
I want everyone to keep that same Dest energy with Weah.
— USMNTrev (@Eyesandvibes) June 27, 2024
That's selfish and unacceptable for a professional anywhere, especially one that's played CONCACAF games before.
Weah may have single-handedly ruined the Copa America. Congratulations
— Brian Foley (@brianmichaelf) June 27, 2024
Others believe that this loss should also be pinned on Gregg Berhalter for his dubious tactics and for how he failed to adapt to the red card.
FIRE GREGG BERHALTER
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) June 28, 2024
Tim Weah made a huge mistake, but the way this game has been handled tactically by Gregg Berhalter to invite pressure for 75 minutes has been a disaster and the wrong decision from the beginning.
— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) June 27, 2024
Gregg Berhalter is the worst coach in USMNT history
— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) June 27, 2024
If the USMNT bounces out of Copa America in the group stage, it would be a massive failure by the federation. Berhalter shouldn't have his job a day after the Quarterfinals in Copa America.#USMNT #CopaAmerica
— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) June 27, 2024