US-American Tim Weah is banned for two matches for a red card against Panama

U.S. men’s national team striker Tim Weah has been suspended for another game and fined $3,000 for receiving a red card during the Copa América against Panama, South American governing body Conmebol confirmed to ESPN.

Weah was sent off in the 18th minute of the USMNT’s 2-1 loss to Panama on Thursday for striking Panamanian defender Roderick Miller in the back of the head with his outstretched arm.

Weah was already set to miss Monday’s decisive group final against Uruguay as he was automatically suspended for one match following the red card. On Saturday, Conmebol extended the suspension by a further match, meaning Weah would miss a potential quarter-final should the USMNT advance at the Copa América.

“I’m fine, just obviously the circumstances are a little bit upsetting,” Weah told Fox’s Jenny Taft on Saturday. “Putting my team in this situation was never my intention. I think I’m being portrayed as a violent person, which I’m not. And I think that hurts quite a bit.”

“And to see my brothers having to take a different path to achieve our main goal really hurts.”

Weah was sent off on Thursday following a video review. The incident occurred off the ball as he attempted to break free of Miller’s defense.

The score was still scoreless at the time of the sending off. Folarin Balogun put the USMNT ahead four minutes after the red card, but the USA conceded an equalizer within minutes. USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter switched to a 5-3-1 formation in the second half to protect the lead, but Panama’s José Fajardo broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute to take all three points for Panama.

Panama also had to resort to ten players in the 88th minute when Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off for a reckless foul on USMNT captain Christian Pulisic.

After the game, Berhalter called Weah’s actions a “stupid decision” and said the striker apologized to the team. Weah also apologized publicly on his Instagram account.

“We talked about this referee’s tendencies beforehand, we knew what he was capable of, and frankly I think we played right into his hands,” Berhalter told reporters at a press conference. “And I think we made that decision pretty easily. Tim was jostled, he was checked and he reacted. He apologized to the group, and I think he understands what a difficult position he put the group in.”

“It still happened and as a result we lost that game. We have to move on and figure out how to win the next game.”

The loss to Panama puts the USMNT in danger of being eliminated in the group stage on home soil in their only major tournament before the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host. A loss or draw against Uruguay on Monday will leave the United States needing Bolivia’s help against Panama to advance. The USMNT could beat Uruguay and still not advance if Panama beats Uruguay and evens the goal difference, which is currently +2 in favor of the Americans.

“I’m just here to push them to do the same things I did before, give the team energy, make sure the vibe is right, make everybody laugh. I think that’s the most important thing,” Weah added to Fox. “I wish them the best. I’ll be with them through everything, supporting them and making sure they keep their heads straight.”

He continued: “I’m just going to do my best to make sure I’m here with the team and consciously supporting the guys. I think that’s the most important thing. And of course, I just pray that they do their job.”