'Overturn this': Belgium mocks Balogun drama with savage social media post after ousting USA
New Delhi, July 7
After eliminating co-host USA from the FIFA World Cup, the victorious Belgian team clapped back at the Folarin Balogun red-card drama with a savage two-word social media post.
Ahead of the round-of-16 tie against the USA, football's global governing body suspended the one-match ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun, which he got after receiving a red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the round of 32 victory.
The ruling drew strong criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which issued statements expressing "astonishment" at the decision. European football governing body UEFA also condemned the ruling, saying it had "crossed a red line" and could have negative consequences for the game as a whole. It also emerged that US president Donald Trump had lobbied for Balogun's red card to be overturned.
Following the win, the Belgian team's official social media account shared a savage message by posting "Overturn this" with pictures of wild celebrations.
Belgium's captain, Youri Tielemans, said the Balogun controversy had helped motivate his team. "Let's be honest: we held a meeting when we heard the news. We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That's what we did today. I'm very proud of the team," Tielemans said after the match.
Belgium took sweet revenge for the off-field drama on the field when Charles De Ketelaere's first-half double made the USA the third and final co-host to be knocked out of the World Cup after Canada and Mexico had already bowed out in the Round of 16.
Belgium will lock horns with Spain, who eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, this whole controversy reminds me of how politics keeps interfering in sports everywhere. The USA got special treatment because of who their president is, and then Belgium just went out and proved themselves on the pitch. Karma is real, yaar! The 'Overturn this' post was pure gold. 😂👏
Honestly, I'm American and even I think FIFA made a huge mistake by overturning Balogun's ban. Trump getting involved just made us look desperate. Belgium earned that win fair and square. Sometimes you just have to take the loss gracefully instead of complaining. Good luck to Belgium against Spain!
Belgium captain Tielemans said it best: "Do your talking on the pitch." That's the spirit! In India, we also see this kind of thing happen sometimes - someone with influence tries to change rules for personal benefit. But real champions prove themselves through performance, not through backroom deals. What a response from the Red Devils! 🏆
While I love the drama and the banter, I'll say this respectfully: FIFA needs to clarify their rules on red card appeals. The inconsistency is frustrating for everyone. That said, Belgium's social media team deserves a raise. "Overturn this" might be the best post-match dig I've ever seen. 🔥
This is why I love football - even with all the politics and controversies, the game itself finds a way to deliver justice. Belgium could have just complained about the Balogun decision, but instead they channeled that anger
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