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Jermaine Jones was sent off against Ecuador with a red card. He may be out for the rest of the Copa America.
Bobby Wood received a yellow card shortly after Jones' sending off. He's suspended for the semifinal match due to accumulation.
U.S. Soccer is considering an appeal of both suspensions.
National team spokesman says U.S. Soccer "considering" an appeal of the red card shown to midfielder Jermaine Jones. #usmnt #USAvECU
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) June 17, 2016
I'm told they are considering an appeal for Wood as well. #usmnt https://t.co/81fJL8n95L
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 17, 2016
USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was spitting fire after the match, clearly unhappy with Jones' card:
"Unfortunately we lost Jermaine for the incident, which is an absolute joke, because it was right there and the fourth referee made the decision. Not the referee," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "The referee didn't see it. He followed the advice off the fourth official out there and it's a disgrace a decision like that."
It was a soft red card, and if Jones' made contact with Michael Arroyo's face then it is justified.
However, according to Ives Galarcep of Goal USA, Jones did not make contact with Arroyo:
A slow motion replay appears to show Arroyo push Jones' arms as Jones raised his arms to protect himself. Jones appears to make a punching motion, but makes no contact with Arroyo.
Here's the video:
Will video evidence be enough to overturn Jones' red card? I don't know, but it would certainly improve the U.S.' chances of winning the semifinal match.
Was it an incredibly foolish thing for a veteran player to do during a post-foul scuffle? Absolutely. Jermaine Jones is on the field because he is a savvy veteran who can contribute on both sides of the ball. It is inexcusable for him to put his hands in another player's face, even if he is merely attempting to bait and not make contact. By even putting himself in that situation, he's giving the referee the opportunity to give him a card.
We'll keep you updated if either suspension is overturned, but, as always, you'll probably hear it before we do. It's the nature of social media and whatnot.