16 June 2023 , 13:24
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Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has responded after his debut for the USMNT descended into chaos and had to be stopped early by the referee.
The 21-year-old prodigy put an end to speculation regarding his international allegiance by declaring for the country of his birth earlier this year. The striker, who scored 22 times while out on loan at Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims last season, was called up to the US' senior team for the first time in his career for the CONCACAF Nations League.
His debut came in a chaotic 3-0 win over Mexico at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas which was mired in controversy both on and off the pitch. Not only were four players sent off by referee Ivan Barton but the officials eventually had to call time on the semi finals clash after homophobic chants were heard from the crowd.
The first incident of discriminatory chanting occurred in the 89th minute of the game, with play subsequently temporarily halted as a result. Following the resumption of play, the slurs were heard once again while US goalkeeper Matt Turner was taking a goal kick, with referee Barton eventually bringing the match to a close four minutes early.
The Arsenal academy graduate has now spoken of his shock at the events during the encounter in Nevada but did offer that he is pleased to get off to a winning start for the nation after swapping his allegiance from England — where he grew up. He told CBS Sports following the game: “The boys told me it was going to be intense, but I’m definitely still shocked by the events.
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"There was so much going on! But I’m just delighted that we were able to win and I’m delighted that I was able to make my debut. I gave it all I’ve got. I’m proud of the boys. I think I’m a bit overwhelmed! I’m just taking it all in. I’m buzzing.
“I was on the floor because I was in pain, but when I looked up I saw so many people around and I knew that my team-mates were trying to defend me. I would do the same for them. It’s a nice feeling. I’m disappointed about the red cards on our end and hopefully we can control that in the next game.”
The video board displays a message that the game has been stopped due to discriminatory chanting during the second half of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League semi final between the United States and Mexico at Allegiant Stadium. (John Todd/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)Although the USMNT got through to the Nations League final on the night, interim manager B.J. Callaghan will be ruing the behaviour of some of his players after they were reduced to nine men following an unseemly brawl. The scuffle in question was sparked after a rash tackle on Balogun, with the debutant's new teammates Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie dismissed due to their misconduct.
Balogun described what happened from his perspective and explained his view on the incident which led to two of his compatriots being sent for an early bath. He asserted: “I was on the floor because I was in pain, but when I looked up I saw so many people around.
"I knew that my team-mates were trying to defend me. I would do the same for them. It’s a nice feeling. I’m disappointed about the red cards on our end and hopefully we can control that in the next game."