United States men's national team forward Tim Weah was suspended for an additional match and fined $3,000 for his red card against Panama in the Copa América, South American confederation Conmebol confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.
Weah was ejected from the USMNT's 2-1 loss to Panama on Thursday in the 18th minute for an outstretched hit to the back of the head by Panamanian defender Roderick Miller.
Weah was already scheduled to miss Monday's crucial final group match against Uruguay to serve an automatic one-match suspension for the red card. On Saturday, Conmebol added an additional match to the suspension, meaning Weah will miss a potential quarterfinal match if the United States team advances in the Copa América.
“I'm fine, although a little discouraged, obviously, because of the circumstances,” Weah told Fox on Saturday. “Putting my team in this situation was never my intention. I think they're painting me as a violent person, which I'm not. And I think that hurts a lot.”
“And seeing my brothers having to take a different route to get to our main goal, it really hurts a lot.”
Weah was sent off on Thursday following a video arbitration review. The incident occurred away from the ball, as he attempted to free himself from Miller's defense.
The game was tied goalless at the time of the expulsion. Folarin Balogun put the United States team ahead four minutes after the red card, but the United States conceded the equalizer a few minutes later. United States national team coach Gregg Berhalter switched to a 5-3-1 formation in the second half to try to preserve the point, but Panamanian José Fajardo broke the tie in the 83rd minute to take the three points for Panama .
Panama was also reduced to 10 players in the 88th minute when Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off for a reckless challenge on USMNT captain Christian Pulisic.
After the match, Berhalter called Weah's action a “foolish decision” and said the striker had apologized to the team. Weah also issued a public apology on his Instagram account.
“We talked about this referee's tendencies beforehand, we knew what he's capable of and to be honest, I think we played into his hands,” Berhalter told reporters at a news conference. “And I think we made that decision pretty easy. Tim was hit, he got checked out and he reacted. He apologized to the group and I think he understands the difficult position he put the group in.
“However, it happened and as a result we lost this game and we're going to have to move on and figure out how to win the next game.”
The loss to Panama leaves the USMNT in danger of being eliminated from the group stage at home in its only major tournament before the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host. A loss or draw against Uruguay on Monday will leave the United States needing help from Bolivia against Panama to advance. The USMNT could beat Uruguay and still fail to advance if Panama beats Uruguay and makes up the goal difference, which is currently +2 in favor of the Americans.
“I'm here to motivate them, to do the same thing I did before, to energize the team, to make sure the vibe is right, to keep everyone smiling. I think that's the most important thing,” Weah told Fox. “I wish them the best, I'm going to be with them through everything, supporting them, making sure they keep their heads on their shoulders.”
He continued, “I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I'm there with the team, intentionally supporting the guys and I think that's the most important thing. And just praying that they get the job done, obviously.”
