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How long is Tim Weah banned from the Copa America? Red card against Panama means two-game ban for USMNT

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In the fight to qualify for the knockout rounds of the 2024 Copa América, the USA made life much more difficult for themselves in their second group match against Panama.

A win in Atlanta would mathematically secure them a place in the quarter-finals, but a draw or loss would leave them vulnerable in their final group game against Uruguay.

After just five minutes, it looked like the USA had scored first, but Weston McKennie’s powerful shot was ruled out by video review as Tim Ream was offside beforehand. Then, in the 18th minute, things went downhill when Tim Weah was sent off, leaving the USA a man down for most of the game.

Sporting News tells you everything you need to know about how long Tim Weah will be suspended and what impact this could have on the USMNT going forward.

MORE: Looking back at the USMNT’s devastating loss to Panama, which saw Tim Weah sent off early

Why did Tim Weah get a red card in the Panama game?

US winger Tim Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the Copa America group match against Panama for unsportsmanlike play without the ball.

While the USA held the ball in midfield, Weah was battling for position with Panama defender Roderick Miller in the attacking half. The 24-year-old seemed frustrated by the physicality of the game and began to vent his anger.

Weah fired two shots at Miller’s head, the second of which hit the ball. Miller went down dramatically, the referee whistled for a foul and showed Weah a yellow card. However, the VAR looked at the play and advised the referee to take another look. After watching a replay on the pitchside monitor, he decided to send Weah off.

How long is Tim Weah banned?

Tim Weah received an automatic one-match suspension for his red card against Panama, in accordance with the official rules and regulations of the Copa America, but the CONMEBOL Disciplinary Committee has imposed an additional match on him due to the violence and unsportsmanlike nature of his dismissal.

This means he will miss the final group match against Uruguay and a possible quarter-final if the USA qualifies for that stage.

He could return if the United States reaches the semifinals of the competition.

Tim Weah apologizes for red card against Panama

After the end of the game, which the USA lost 2-1 to Panama, Tim Weah apologized on his social media account.

“Today I let my team and my country down,” Weah said. “A moment of frustration led to an irreversible consequence and for that I am deeply sorry to my teammates, coaches, family and our fans.”

“I am determined to learn from this experience, not to let any opponent provoke me and to work to regain the trust and respect of my team and my fans. No matter what happens, I will always fight for my team and my country until the day I am no longer needed or able to do so.”

Two days later, on Saturday, in conversation with FOX reporter Jenny TaftWeah explained his situation. “I think I’m portrayed as a violent person, which I’m not. That hurts a lot. And then to see that my brothers have to go a different way to achieve our main goal, it really hurts a lot.”

Weah will be allowed to train with the United States during his suspension, but will not be allowed to be in the locker room or on the sidelines with the team during the two games for which he is suspended.

Who was the referee in the USA vs Panama game?

The official referee for the USA vs. Panama match was Ivan Barton from El Salvador.

Barton is one of North America’s most experienced referees, having previously officiated the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final and been selected to referee three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including England’s 3-0 victory over Senegal in the Round of 16.

However, Barton has been criticized in the past for his use of physicality, particularly in games involving the United States. He caused trouble in the 2022/23 CONCACAF Nations League semifinals when the United States beat Mexico 3-0, completely losing control of the game and trying to compensate by dishing out excessive cards, ultimately handing out eight yellow cards and three red cards.

He angered many U.S. fans again in the match against Panama at the Copa America when he sent off Tim Weah in the 18th minute but failed to caution Panamanian players for their excessive foul play to prevent counterattacks, allowing them to commit fouls in transition without receiving further penalties. He awarded Panama a penalty early in the second half that was later overturned by VAR review, which only increased the anger of U.S. fans.

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