Arsenal star caught up in tunnel fight during feisty USMNT clash

11 July 2023 , 13:22

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Players from the USMNT and Canada were engaged in a disagreement in the tunnel following their CONCACAF Gold Cup clash (Image: TUDN USA/ Twitter)

Arsenal's Matt Turner was caught up in a tunnel fracas after the USMNT edged a dramatic encounter with neighbours Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The two old foes faced off at the quarter finals stage of the tournament, with the clash having ended 2-2 after extra time, which forced a penalty shootout. With both countries having led the match at different stages, it was clear that tensions were running high by the time the players got into the tunnel.

The game produced six yellow cards and it seems that the rivalry was not left on the pitch after the US edged the game on penalties. A ruckus ensued, with stars from both teams engaging in disagreements as personnel from the US taunted their defeated opponents following an ill-tempered game, according to Spanish outlet Marca.

Gunners stopper Turner turned peacemaker during the scuffle, performed his role as captain well as he helped to separate the two groups. Fresh from having saved two spot kicks in the shootout, he was also helped to break things up by security staff.

The result meant that the USMNT had defeated John Herdman's team for a second time in as many months, with the Stars and Stripes having triumphed 2-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League final back in June. With only five American players from that roster having retained their places for the Gold Cup competition, the encounter was far more evenly matched this time around.

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Both teams led - the US in normal time before a late equaliser, and then Canada in extra-time before the American's levelled to force the game into a dramatic shoot-out where Turner's penalty heroics proved decisive.

The USMNT's players were engaged with stars from Canada following their dramatic CONCACAF Gold Cup encounter (Twitter/ TUDN USA)

Former New England Revolution stopper Turner stepped up heroically to keep out two attempts. His couple of saves from Vitoria and Liam Fraser sent the USMNT on its way to a 3-2 victory in the shootout, with Canada's Charles-Andreas Brym effort hitting the bar to send B.J. Callaghan's team through.

Interim coach Callaghan was full of praise for his goalkeeper: "He had the last word before we went out to the field, it's just encouraging the guys to stay calm, stay committed to what they've practiced."

The victory meant that the US have now made the semi finals in the last 12 editions of the Gold Cup, with a date versus Panama now in the diary. The winners of that clash will play either Mexico or Jamaica in the showpiece decider.

Tom Beattie