Landon Donovan's unhinged rant at 'moron' and 'idiot' World Cup referee

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Landon Donovan unleashed a tirade against the referee -Creditmar Vega, Getty Images


United States striker Folarin Balogun, the team's leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup, will miss Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium after receiving a red card during Wednesday's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

While challenging for possession in the second half, Balogun accidentally landed on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic during a 50-50 ball. Referee Raphael Claus consulted the VAR official, reviewed the incident pitchside, and produced a red card for Balogun. The decision drew fierce criticism from longtime USMNT midfielder Landon Donovan, who is working for FOX throughout the World Cup.

Donovan labeled Claus both a "moron" and an "idiot" on his latest podcast, as Balogun himself broke his silence on the contentious ruling. This follows reports of a lip reader deciphering what a Bosnian player said to Balogun in the aftermath of the decision.

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Donovan, the joint all-time leading scorer for the US men's national team, walked viewers through his live reaction to the red card. "The next thing I know, this moron is going to the VAR, and you know what that means (99% of the time).

But I'm like, 'Okay, common sense for sure [is gonna win]."

"This guy for sure must have kicked a soccer ball or played a soccer game at some point in his life and is gonna go, 'Yeah, that looks bad, but there is no intent there.'"

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Folarin Balogun was handed a red card during the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina -Credit:John Dorton/USSF, Getty Images

Donovan continued. "And then he comes back and gives him a red card, and I'm like, 'What! ?' And my first thought, [Tim Howard], was, yeah, what it means for the game, if we advance, what it means, but he just ruined Flo's World Cup.

"One referee's moronic decision. This might tip the scales in winning or not vs Belgium......This poor guy [Balogun] just got his World Cup ruined by this idiot who has no business refereeing this game."

Donovan wasn't alone in criticizing Claus's questionable call. "You need to have some common sense," FOX analyst and former World Cup winner Thierry Henry said.

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Folarin Balogun was backed by the USMNT amid the decision -Credit:Getty Images

"Where is the player supposed to put his foot there in that situation?"

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino backed his player during his post-match media briefing. "For me? Never a red card," the Argentine tactician said.

"Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident."

Balogun handled the situation with class. He walked back onto the field and exchanged handshakes with Claus after the final whistle.

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Landon Donovan made his feelings clear -Credit:Getty Images

"I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion," he told reporters on Thursday. "There are still lots of people who are inspiring little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust."

Nevertheless, he maintained it shouldn't have been a sending-off offense. "There's nowhere else to put your leg. It's going to be unavoidable," Balogun said.

"So, I've seen many different opinions and takes. But, for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair. It's something that's happened, so we have to move forward, and I have to accept it."

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