USMNT player Tim Weah suspended for two games after red card at Copa America

U.S. men’s national team winger Tim Weah has been suspended for two matches for his red card in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Panama at the Copa America.

Weah was sent off in the 18th minute after hitting Panama defender Roderick Miller on the head off the ball. After seeing the contact, referee Ivan Barton cautioned Weah before going to the screen for a VAR review and changing his decision to a red card.

Weah will miss Monday’s group final against Uruguay and would also miss the quarterfinals if the USA advances to the knockout rounds. Panama’s Coco Carrasquilla, who was sent off in the 88th minute for a kick on US captain Christian Pulisic, is also suspended for an additional game for his offence.

Weah apologized for the red card on social media after the game. At the time of the red card, the United States controlled the game. The United States took a 1-0 lead after Weah’s sending off, but Panama equalized four minutes later and scored the winner in the 83rd minute.

Speaking to FOX on Saturday, Weah said: “I’m fine. Obviously, the circumstances have depressed me a little bit. I don’t think it was ever my intention to put my team in this situation.”

GO DEEPER

Weah apologizes to USMNT teammates after red card against Panama

“I think I’m portrayed as a violent person, which I’m not. That hurts quite a bit. And then to see my brothers have to take a different path to get to our main goal, it really hurts. The goal remains the same.”

“We have set ourselves a lot of goals as a team. I believe in the boys. I know they will reach the final. I’m just here to push them. I’m doing the same thing as before: I give the team that energy, make sure the mood is right and make everyone laugh. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Weah will now focus his energy on supporting his teammates in any way he can during his injury break.

“I wish them the best,” he said. “I will accompany them in everything, support them and make sure that they keep a clear head.”

“Being with this team, this team, this group, has always pushed me to do my best. This is my muse. This is my escape from the world, so I enjoy being here.

“I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m here, I’m here for the team, I’m supporting the guys. I think that’s the most important thing and I just pray that they do their job.”

The United States must match or beat Panama’s record against Bolivia and Uruguay to advance to the quarterfinals.