US soccer star Tim Weah apologizes after costly red card for PUNCHING opponent in devastating Copa America loss to Panama: ‘Today I let my team and my country down’
US men’s national football team star Tim Weah has apologized for the costly red card he received during Thursday’s Copa America defeat to Panama.
“Today I disappointed my team and my country,” Weah wrote on Instagram after punching a Panamanian player on the back of the head, leading to his elimination in just the 18th minute of the match. “A moment of frustration led to an irreversible consequence, and for that I offer my deepest condolences to my teammates, coaches, family and our fans.”
Weah was sent off with a red card by Salvadoran referee Iván Barton for hitting Roderick Miller on the back of the head. Barton initially pulled the yellow card from his back pocket, but quickly replaced it with a red card when Weah raised his arms and stormed onto the pitch at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
A pro-American crowd of 59,145 was furious, especially after two other calls went against the host country in the 2-1 defeat.
It is still unclear why Weah decided to hit Miller.
Weah reacts after his red card during the CONMEBOL Copa America on Thursday
Panama’s Roderick Miller reacts after being fouled as the referee finds his red card for Weah
Weah promised in his statement that he would make amends for his mistake.
“In the future, I am determined to learn from this experience, not allow any opponent to provoke me, and work to regain the trust and respect of my team and supporters,” he wrote.
‘No matter what happens, I will always fight for my team and my country until the day I no longer need or can!!’
Weah also said he wanted to “sincerely apologize to everyone.”
He concluded: “My love for this team goes beyond just football and I am so sad and angry with myself for putting my brothers through what they went through tonight.
The son of legendary Paris SG and AC Milan striker George Weah, Tim scored for the US in Qatar in 2022 and currently plays for Juventus. In total, the Brooklyn-born Weah has six goals in 41 appearances for the US.
The defeat now puts the US in danger of missing the quarterfinals.
The American team will play its final group match against Uruguay on Monday.