USMNT forward Weah suspended two games for red card vs. Panama

The forward won’t be available until the semifinal — if the USMNT advances that far

CONMEBOL has handed U.S. men’s national team forward Tim Weah a two-game suspension for his red card against Panama.

Weah was shown a straight red in the 18th minute of Thursday’s Copa América game, as replays showed him striking defender Roderick Miller in the back of the head.

That moment would prove costly, as the USMNT would ultimately fall 2-1 in a shock result that seriously damaged the team’s hopes of advancing past the group stage.

Weah will have to sit out Monday’s group-stage finale against Uruguay and a quarterfinal match, should the USMNT get that far.

After defeat to Panama, advancement out of Group C is looking like a daunting proposition for Gregg Berhalter’s side.

The USMNT will likely have to beat Uruguay on Monday in Kansas City, as it can secure a spot in the quarterfinal by matching or bettering Panama’s result against Bolivia while maintaining its goal differential edge.

Weah: I’m not a violent person

Weah spoke to Fox Sports on Saturday night after news of his suspension came out.

“I’m good. A little down obviously with the circumstances. I think to put my team in this situation, it was never my intention,” he said.

“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 apologized on Instagram after Thursday’s match, saying “I let my team and my country down.”

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