Referee refuses to shake Christian Pulisics hand after devastating USMNT loss: Amateur hour
In a match marred in controversy where the lone goal of the game appeared as if it should’ve been negated for offsides, USMNT captain Christian Pulisic was snubbed by an official shortly after Monday’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Uruguay that saw the Americans get eliminated from the Copa America on home soil.Pulisic attempted to shake hands with head referee Kevin Ortega and his crew after the loss in Kansas City.The first official obliged, while Ortega did not move a muscle to reach for his hand.
“He wouldn’t shake my hand.It’s normal — I mean, I guess,” Pulisic said after the match, via ESPN, although he stopped short of blaming officiating for the loss.
“Honestly, I mean, I saw things that I’ve never seen before right in front of my eyes today that I just, I truly I can’t believe.It’s not why we lost; we’re not out of this tournament because of officiating.”As Pulisic reached to shake his hand and was quickly rebuffed, he pulled his hand back while getting closer to the head referee, saying something inaudible while pointing at him.Ortega seemingly incorrectly declared a goal for Uruguay during the second half while making numerous mistakes that appeared to go against coach Gregg Berhalter’s group, and the call was surprisingly upheld after video review.Team USA also lost to Panama in the group stage after a red card was assessed to forward Tim Weah, forcing them to play short-handed in the match with head referee Ivan Barton.
Honduras threatened legal action against Barton and FIFA for a poor 2023 showing in their match against Mexico, while the referee also issued seven red cards in the last four matches he worked involving Team USA.Ortega seemed to have an equally poor showing Monday night.USA midfielder Tyler Adams was assessed a yellow card in the first half despite clearly being the one who was fouled after a defender stepped on his ankle.
Defenseman Antonee Robinson called Ortega’s performance “amateur hour” after the g...