The reversal of USMNT F Folarin Balogun’s red card was a major topic on the network morning shows today. It was the second story on “CBS Mornings,” behind the severe weather hitting the country over the weekend. CBS’ Vladimir Duthiers said, “Now to the White House phone call shaking up tonight’s World Cup matchup.” CBS’ Nicole Valdes reported live outside Seattle Stadium, where she noted Belgium could appeal FIFA’s decision. Men In Blazers co-founder Roger Bennett said, “This does feel like something out of WWE, where home cooking is the best cooking. … The world football fan in me is like this is not the way football works. If we were playing France and President Macron put in a call to make sure their elite striker would play, how would we feel? … It destroys the integrity of the competition” (“CBS Mornings,” 7/6).
NBC’s “Today” addressed the story at the start of the 7:30am ET half-hour, with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie calling it a “major victory for Team USA off the field.” NBC’s Steve Patterson reported live from Seattle, saying, “The Balogun boost is real. This guy has scored in every single match that he’s played in at this tournament so far.” However, Apple TV’s Taylor Twellman referenced the Belgian appeal and said, “Until the game starts and No. 20 is playing for the red, white and blue, I’m not sure I fully believe he’s going to play in that game until I see him in uniform, in flesh playing the game” (“Today,” NBC, 7/6).
ABC’s “GMA” also addressed the story second on its rundown, behind the severe weather. ABC’s Will Reeve said, “It’s hard to overstate how major, how rare, how polarizing this decision is” (“GMA,” ABC, 7/6).
