U.S. men’s national team winger Tim Weah has been suspended two games for his red card in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Panama at Copa America.
Weah was sent off in the 18th minute after striking Panama defender Roderick Miller in the head away from the ball. After seeing the contact, referee Ivan Barton cautioned Weah before going to the screen on VAR review and upgrading his decision to a red.
Weah will miss Monday’s group finale against Uruguay and, should the U.S. advance to the knockouts, would also miss the round of 16 game. Panama’s Coco Carrasquilla, who was red-carded in the 88th minute for kicking out at U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, is also suspended for an extra game for his offense.
Weah apologized via social media after the game for the red card. At the time of the red, the U.S. was controlling the game. The U.S. took a 1-0 lead after Weah’s expulsion, but Panama equalized four minutes later and then found a winner in the 83rd minute.
Speaking to FOX on Saturday, Weah said: “I’m good. A little down obviously with the circumstances. I think to put my team in this situation, it was never my intention.
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“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. The objective stays the same.
“We have a lot of goals set as a team. I believe in the guys. I know they are going to get to that final. I’m just here to push them. Do the same thing I was doing before: give that energy for the team, make sure the vibes are right and keep everyone smiling. I think that’s the most important.”
Weah will now focus his energy on supporting his team-mates in any way he can while he is sidelined.
“I wish them the best,” he said. “I’m going to be with them through everything, supporting them, making sure they keep their heads on their shoulders.
“Being around this team, around this staff, around this group has always pushed me to be my best. This is my muse. This is my escape from the world, so I enjoy being here.
“I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m here, present for the team, intentional with the way I’m supporting the guys. I think that’s the most important and just pray they get the job done.”
The U.S. must match or better Panama’s result against Bolivia against Uruguay to advance to the last eight.
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(Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
