Football

USA vs Mexico: Four red cards and homophobic chants spoils Concacaf match

June 16, 2023 3:29 pm

The USA set a date with destiny in the Concacaf Nations League final after overpowering Mexico 3-0 in the semi-final. The Stars and Stripes will take on the challenge of Canada in the final, who booked their place after a 2-0 win over Panama.

USMNT interim captain, Christian Pulisic lit up the Allegiant Stadium with goals in both halves, while Ricardo Pepi delivered the final blow to make it 3-0. Team USA’s proficiency was the highlight of the meeting but was overshadowed by moments of madness on the pitch and in the stands.

Four players received their marching orders in the semi-final clash. Cesar Montes was the first one to receive a red card for hacking down Folarin Balogun from behind. A scuffle between USA and Mexico players erupted later with Weston McKennie earning an early bath for dissent.

Further drama unfolded as Sergio Dest and Gerardo Arteaga were also shown red cards for an entanglement on the sidelines. As players from both sides brought out their nasty nature on the field, fans also showed deplorable behaviour from the bleachers.

Drinks were thrown from the stands, while homophobic chants were also sung as well. With the Allegiant Stadium in full furore on and off the pitch, announcements could not discipline anyone involved.

Match official, Ivan Barton took matters into is own hands and prematurely brought an end to the proceedings. Six minutes of added time were yet to play when Barton blew for full-time.

Pulisic Disappointed with Manner of Victory

Matches between USMNT and Mexico have been heavy-handed affairs of late. The duo were involved in a classic five-goal thriller in the last iteration of the Nations League and their scuffles in the current meeting rekindled those feelings.

Pulisic was on the scoreboard for the States in the final, converting a 114-minute penalty to hand them the title. Despite lacking minutes for Chelsea in the 2022/23 campaign, he hit the back of the net twice in their cause.

The 24-year-old acknowledged the importance of their big win and making it into the finals. He also spoke about the game’s chaotic and violent events, expressing disappointment about how the game had spiralled out of control. He criticized the authorities for not controlling the game much more to avoid the madness, and he added that two good players will miss the finals because of the red cards.

“It’s a great scoreline for us, it’s a big win and we’re into the finals,” the Chelsea attacker shared. “But the game didn’t need to turn into all the madness that it did.

“They really need to control the game much more. It’s sad. And now we’re missing two good players just because everyone’s losing their heads.

“I’m a little bit upset but at the end of the day we’re in the final.”

USMNT will now turn their attention towards Canada, whom they face in the final on June 19. The Maple Leafs booked their place thanks to goals from Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies while shutting down their rivals on the other end. The match was not without controversy as Panamian defender Eric Davis was shown a red card late in the game.

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