Folarin Balogun was dramatically sent off following a controversial intervention by VAR during the USA’s World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night.

The American striker, who had earlier put his team ahead with the opening goal in the first half, appeared stunned when he was shown a red card midway through the second half.

The incident occurred as Balogun tussled for possession with Tarik Muharemovic, with the two players’ legs becoming entangled. Super slow-motion replays revealed Balogun’s leg making contact with the Bosnian defender’s calf.

As a result, Balogun will now miss the USA’s last-16 encounter against Belgium.

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially did not award a free-kick, allowing play to continue. However, after both players went down injured, the VAR officials advised Claus to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. Upon seeing the replay, the referee opted to issue a straight red card to Balogun.

The decision immediately sparked debate among fans and analysts, many of whom drew comparisons with Lionel Messi’s unpunished tackle in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, where the Argentine captain escaped without any card.

Commentating for the BBC, former England women’s forward Sue Smith shared her view on the incident, saying: “When it [the replay] stops like that, you think one hundred per cent red card, but I think when you watch it in real time it's really harsh.”

She added: “He's clearly just trying to shield the ball, get his body across, and he’s simply planting his foot. It’s just unfortunate where he plants it.”

Despite being reduced to ten men for the final 25 minutes, the USA held firm, with Malik Tillman’s superb free-kick eight minutes from time securing the win.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, Balogun will serve at least a one-match ban for serious foul play, with the possibility of a longer suspension if the FIFA disciplinary committee decides the offence warrants further action. The rules also stipulate that no appeal can be made against the suspension.