Looking to qualify for a knockout stage spot in the 2024 Copa America, the United States made life much more difficult on themselves with self-inflicted wounds.
An early sending off for Tim Weah less than 20 minutes into the group stage match against Panama left the United States in a dire situation, ultimately ruining their tournament much earlier than anticipated.
The U.S. winger was sent off for violent conduct, leading to defeat against Panama and ultimate elimination in the group stage. Now, Weah not only saw himself suspended for the group stage finale at the Copa America, but will also have to miss one more game down the road.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about how long the 24-year-old forward will be suspended and the effect it could have on the USMNT going forward.
MORE: Recap the damaging USMNT defeat to Panama which saw Tim Weah sent off early
How long is Tim Weah suspended?
As a result of his red card against Panama, Tim Weah triggered an automatic one-game suspension, per the Copa America official rules and regulations. However, he was been handed an additional game by CONMEBOL's disciplinary committee for the violent and unsporting nature of his dismissal.
At the time, this meant he would miss the final group stage match against Uruguay plus any potential quarterfinal should the U.S. qualify for that stage.
However, because the U.S. did not qualify for the knockout stage, Weah fell short of satisfying his suspension. In turn, CONCACAF have decided to honor this suspension, meaning the Juventus man will have to sit for the first leg of his country's Nations League quarterfinal during the November international break.
Why is Tim Weah suspended for Nations League quarterfinal?
It can be understandingly confusing to see Tim Weah suspended for a match during a CONCACAF competition when his red card was received during a CONMEBOL tournament. So why does Weah's suspension carry over between completely unrelated competitions?
While not officially codified, this is actually a relatively common practice between amicable federations both at the club and international level. Out of respect for another federation or league's disciplinary system, most organizations (such as a domestic league or continental confederation) will honor suspensions for players moving tournaments that are not fully served.
This is more often seen at the club level — for example, a player playing for a Premier League club triggers a yellow card accumulation suspension in the final match of the season, but then transfers that summer to a club in Serie A. Often, the player's new league will honor the suspension carried over from the previous season, and that individual would be suspended their first match of the new season in their new competition.
Because there are no imminent plans for Weah to compete in a future Copa America as it stands (and the next chance he would get wouldn't be for another four years anyways, an unreasonably long time to carry over a suspension), CONCACAF have decided to honor Weah's suspension in the coming Nations League round, which is the next available competitive environment for the USMNT to play in.
This accomplishes seeing out Weah's full suspension, which he (theoretically, at least) earned, while also not dragging it out for an unreasonable amount of time to keep it restricted to a competition he may not ever play in again.
Why was Tim Weah given red card vs. Panama?
U.S. winger Tim Weah was given a straight red card in the 18th minute of the Copa America group match against Panama for an unsporting play off the ball.
With the U.S. in possession of the ball in midfield, Weah was jockeying for position with Panama defender Roderick Miller in the attacking half. The 24-year-old seemed to be frustrated with the physicality of the game, and began to let it out.
Weah took two shots at the head of Miller, the second of which made contact. Miller went to ground dramatically, and the referee blew his whistle for a foul and showed a yellow card to Weah. However, VAR took a look and advised the official to have another look, and after seeing a replay on the pitchside monitor, decided to send Weah off.
Tim Weah receives a red card after review for this contact 🟥 pic.twitter.com/phw8bSzdKR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024
Tim Weah apologizes for red card vs. Panama
Following the conclusion of the match, which the U.S. lost 2-1 to Panama, Tim Weah issued an apology on his social media account.
"Today, I let my team and my country down," Weah said. "A moment of frustration led to an irreversible consequence, and for that, I am deeply sorry to my teammates, coaches, family, and our fans.
"Moving forward, I am committed to learning from this experience, not allowing an opponent to provoke me, and working to regain the trust and respect of my team and supporters. No matter what, I will always fight for my team and my country til the day I'm no longer needed or capable to."
Two days later on Saturday, speaking to FOX reporter Jenny Taft, Weah expanded on his situation. “I think I’m getting painted to be a violent person, which I’m not. That kind of hurts a lot. And then seeing my brothers have to go a different route to get to our main goal, it really hurts a lot."
Weah is allowed to train with the United States through his suspension, but cannot be with the team in the locker room or on the touchline during those two games for which he is banned.
Who was referee for USA vs. Panama?
The match official for USA vs. Panama was Ivan Barton of El Salvador.
Barton is one of the most experienced referees in North America, having officiated the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final and chosen to officiate three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including the 3-0 win for England over Senegal in the Round of 16.
However, Barton has faced criticism in the past for his handling of physicality, especially in games involving the United States. He was the source of ire in the 2022/23 CONCACAF Nations League semifinals when the U.S. beat Mexico 3-0, completely losing control of the match and trying to make up for it by issuing an excessive amount of cards, ultimately dishing out eight yellow cards and three red cards.
He angered many U.S. fans again in the match against Panama at the Copa America when he sent Tim Weah off in the 18th minute, but failed to book Panama players for their excessive fouling in an attempt to stop counter-attacks, allowing them to commit fouls in transition without further punishment. Early in the second half, he gave Panama a penalty which was later negated by VAR review, only furthering the ire of U.S. fans.