CONCACAF denies USMNT appeal of McKennie red card

McKennie will miss Sunday’s final against Canada

CONCACAF has denied U.S. Soccer’s appeal of Weston McKennie’s red card in Thursday’s Nations League semifinal win against Mexico.

As a result, McKennie’s one-game suspension was upheld and he will miss Sunday’s final against Canada.

McKennie was sent off in the 71st minute after a melee that was sparked by César Montes kicking out at Folarin Balogun.

The USMNT midfielder jumped to Balogun’s defense, appearing to put his arm on Jorge Sánchez’s neck and shove the defender during the brawl.

After players were eventually separated, both McKennie and Montes were shown straight red cards. McKennie would memorably walk away from the brawl with a ripped shirt, repeatedly kissing the U.S. Soccer crest.

The ill-tempered affair would end with nine players per side after two more red cards later in the match, which the USMNT easily won 3-0.

While Sergiño Dest’s red card later in the match was clear as day, the USMNT hoped that McKennie’s red for violent conduct could be overturned.

But upon review, CONCACAF upheld the red for McKennie.

“Following its 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match versus Mexico on June 15, 2023, the U.S. Soccer Federation submitted to CONCACAF a protest for the direct red card issued to Weston McKennie,” a CONCACAF statement read.

“In line with the Confederation’s direct red card appeals system, a three-member CONCACAF Independent Review Panel was appointed and considered the matter.

“After a thorough review, including consideration of the video of the on-field decision and evidence presented by the US Soccer Federation, the CONCACAF Independent Review Panel has decided to uphold the on-field decision of a direct red card. The player in question must serve an automatic one-match suspension.

“The decision rendered by the three-member CONCACAF Independent Panel is final and is not subject to further appeal.”

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