The Football Association is considering whether to appeal against Jarell Quansah’s controversial red card during England’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico, although head coach Thomas Tuchel has questioned the consistency of FIFA’s disciplinary process following the unprecedented handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension.
Quansah was sent off after a VAR review of his challenge on Jesús Gallardo at the Estadio Azteca, leaving England to play much of the second half with 10 men.
Unless the dismissal is overturned, the 23-year-old defender will miss England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday.
The FA’s decision on whether to lodge an appeal has been complicated by the controversy surrounding Balogun’s suspension. The United States striker, who was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, was later cleared to feature in the last-16 tie against Belgium after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended his automatic one-match ban for a year.
The decision came after US President Donald Trump claimed he had spoken directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a move that has sparked widespread debate over the integrity and consistency of the governing body’s disciplinary procedures.
Asked whether the Balogun case offered hope that Quansah’s suspension could also be overturned, Tuchel expressed his frustration at the apparent lack of clarity.
“Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What’s going on?” Tuchel said.
“Do we appeal if a yellow card is not a yellow card? I have no answer.”
Despite being reduced to 10 men, England held on to secure a memorable 3-2 victory, with captain Harry Kane converting a second-half penalty to book the Three Lions’ place in the quarter-finals.
Kane described the encounter as one of the most memorable of his international career.
“It’s one of my favourite games in an England shirt,” the England captain said after the final whistle.
The striker also urged his team-mates to quickly shift their focus to Saturday’s clash with Norway.
“We need to calm down, recover well and get ready for the next challenge. The connection with everyone is even stronger now.”
England will now await the FA’s decision on whether to contest Quansah’s suspension as they prepare for a quarter-final showdown with an in-form Norway side.
