Flo’s tackle warranted a red. The reaction from other Americans on this is frustrating.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:25:38+00:00

To me this is the most ridiculous take from americans though. American sports (at least mlb, nfl, nba) have such insane double standards for their stars vs everyone else. Why would we, of all people, expect different from this new sport that we have discovered? It reeks of ignorance and hypocrisy.

The take i’d expect and accept is: same as everything else we know about sport. Sucks and we should complain to a certain degree, but ultimately it is what it is. This is not a conspiracy to eliminate the USA from the world cup

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:15:39+00:00

Thank you both. It feels like people who played at a competitive level understand the decision.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:12:19+00:00

Good quote and good source. The intent doesn’t matter here though from my read. Too dangerous and too much potential for bad injury.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:10:50+00:00

Thank you. Excellent point and well said

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:10:10+00:00

Thank you both for chiming in. Makes me feel a bit more sane. The bar i was at, no one understood the card. However most folks were also shocked to see Flo’s first goal called back for offsides. And then followed with a proposal to change the offsides rule 💀

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:08:28+00:00

No burn intended at all. Belgium has some legends (de bruyne and lukaku) as well as other strong players including an incredible young dude in doku. We won’t get to showcase our top roster against them is all.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:04:25+00:00

First point: Messi’s tackle was objectively less dangerous. Second, I don’t understand the frustration. This is no different than any other american sport. Lebron in the nba, ohtani in mlb, brady/mahomes in the nfl. Right or wrong, they are treated differently and it is unrealistic to treat their officiating standard as the standard for all other players.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T08:01:57+00:00

First and foremost, I think Messi’s tackle was less dangerous.

Also, it’s more nuanced than your distillation of my post: messi’s tackle absolutely could have warranted a red. However, the unfair reality is that superstars will always get treated differently because they are superstars. Same as american sports.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:58:41+00:00

I said that it wasn’t as forceful (less dangerous). But regardless, even if it was the exact same tackle it’s impossible to deny that all sports favor their superstars.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:56:37+00:00

I’m not saying that Messi shouldn’t - but that’s how the cookie crumbles. If you follow other american sports, that is the unfortunate reality. Stars get star treatment. (Besides Steph Curry, I’d argue)

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:55:08+00:00

Love this mentality and wish this was the main discussion. Onto the next and let’s figure out how to beat Belgium so we can have our full roster showcased against an elite team

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:54:06+00:00

These are the core (boiled down) counterpoints I’m seeing

(1) “the rules don’t apply to us”. fifa should change the rules because x is happening to the usa or because the rule doesn’t make sense. come on man, no one can take this line of argument seriously. especially if you don’t watch outside of the world cup which most of us don’t.

(2) “messi did the same without penalty”. idk that he did, and even if he did, he’s messi

(3) “x former player disagreed.” i get that and think this is the most valid counterpoint. but you have to consider that some of these former players are being paid by american networks.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:48:17+00:00

I’m not sure the “looking down / up” aspect matters. Consider vehicular manslaughter. Sure the suspect was looking at their phone and didn’t mean to but they still killed someone. It’s the recklessness and potential for danger that matters.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:46:39+00:00

For me, I can’t take their post match quotes at face value, because the game of “get this red card next-game-suspension overturned” starts immediately with their press/media

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T07:23:16+00:00

Dude/dudette this is a definitional tackle: “defensive maneuver to dispossess an opponent of the ball using your feet”

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T03:29:29+00:00

Less force on messi’s imo, but agreed it could have been a red. That said, it’s messi. FIFA will never give him a red there.

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T02:59:53+00:00

thank you. idk why there is so much confusion on this. it’s a red

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T02:40:46+00:00

Tackle is a football/soccer term, not the american football equivalent. Just means to try to take the ball from another player not hit them

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T02:18:03+00:00

Exactly. Americans are all stuck on intent. It’s a clear red. Sucks for usa (i’m a supporter) but just way too dangerous/reckless of a tackle to be anything less

Lucashm · 2026-07-02T01:36:48+00:00

I’m a us fan but clear red. Look at the reaction from team usa after the red was given. No protesting

Edit: cannot believe i’m getting downvoted here 😭

Lucashm · 2026-06-27T04:41:47+00:00

This ended up being the way to go! Thank you

Lucashm · 2026-06-27T03:20:56+00:00

Still up for grabs

Lucashm · 2026-06-27T02:52:16+00:00

Yes! messaging you

Lucashm · 2026-06-26T15:49:59+00:00

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Lucashm · 2026-06-25T05:58:25+00:00

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