Christian Pulicis was involved in a heated dispute with the referees following the USA's embarrassing 2024 Copa America group-stage elimination, which was confirmed following their 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
Mathías Olivera scored the only goal of the game, which was controversially given by VAR despite him appearing to be offside to the naked eye. Meanwhile, Panama won 3-1 in the other game, which meant Gregg Berhalter's side finished third in their group.
The USMNT players were frustrated with the officials during that game due to a handful of decisions, with things eventually boiling over following the full-time whistle.
Pulisic, who is his country's talisman, was involved in a confrontation with the referees, with one match official refusing to even shake hands with the AC Milan ace. This incident garnered traction and went viral on X (formerly Twitter).
One of the officials declined a handshake from Pulisic
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 2, 2024
(via @FOXSoccer) pic.twitter.com/kqxCkt3Pjw
However, it appears the USMNT attacker was the instigator in this situation. As reported by the Daily Mail, the former Chelsea man shouted at the officials before pointing at the celebrating Uruguayan players and asking "Why aren't you over there with them?".
With Pulisic insinuating that the officials were Uruguay fans in disguise, referee Kevin Ortega folded both arms behind his back when the Pennsylvania-born attacker held his out for a handshake.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, questions are now being asked of the USA and, in particular, their head coach. Berhalter insisted he remains the man for the job when questioned about his future after their elimination but calls for his sacking have increased tenfold.