07/09/26 03:22:00
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07/09 15:21 CDT England player Jarell Quansah suspended for two games at the
World Cup
England player Jarell Quansah suspended for two games at the World Cup
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- England defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match
suspension on Thursday for his red card offense against Mexico in the World Cup
round of 16.
That means Quansah will miss England's quarterfinal match against Norway in
Miami Gardens on Saturday and also the semifinals if Thomas Tuchel's team
advances.
Quansah was sent off in the second half of England's 3-2 victory against Mexico
on Sunday for a dangerous foul on Jesus Gallardo.
FIFA confirmed the two-match suspension for serious foul play.
England forward Bukayo Saka said the decision was "incredibly frustrating."
FIFA's handling of red card punishments has come under intense scrutiny after
its disciplinary committee suspended the one-game penalty of star United States
striker Folarin Balogun after President Donald Trump intervened and contacted
FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino defended the independence of FIFA's disciplinary committee and
insisted the Balogun case was properly handled.
"We're not here to complain, we just need to adapt and pick a team that's ready
to beat Norway," Saka said.
Right back saga continues
Quansah's prolonged extension is the latest issue for Tuchel to contend with at
right back.
First choice Reece James has not played since England's second game of the
tournament against Ghana due to a hamstring injury.
His backup Tino Livramento was sent home before England even kicked off its
campaign after injuring his calf. Tuchel opted to call up a center back in
Trevoh Chalobah as his replacement, rather than going for a specialist right
back.
It meant Quansah, who usually plays in central defense, has taken on the role
of deputy to James.
Tuchel faced questions before the World Cup for leaving out Real Madrid right
back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is widely regarded as one of the top players
in Europe.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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See more of AP's World Cup coverage here
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