Sorry Quansah, you're not Balogun: England defender handed two-match ban after red card

One set of rules applies to the Americans, and another to everyone else. When President Donald Trump calls Gianni Infantino, everything is interpreted differently—suspensions can be lifted and replaced with suspended punishments. But in every other case, the rules are enforced as written. Mercy is only possible when the U.S. president gets involved, not when football associations submit appeals. England asked FIFA to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card, but to no avail. FIFA did not grant their request as it did for the United States ahead of the Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Folarin Balogun was allowed to play in that match despite receiving a straight red card, but Jarell Quansah will miss England's quarterfinal against Norway. He will also be unavailable for a potential semifinal, only becoming eligible again for the final—if the Three Lions make it that far.

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The two-match suspension remains in force, with FIFA citing Article 14 concerning serious foul play. There is no dispute that Quansah's challenge was extremely reckless and could have seriously injured Jesús Gallardo. He failed to pull out of the tackle and caught the Mexican defender early in the second half. Referee Alireza Faghani consulted the VAR officials, reviewed the footage, and showed Quansah a red card. England protested the decision, but there was none of the leniency shown when Folarin Balogun landed on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović's ankle after a challenge and escaped a suspension.

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Quansah will have to serve his ban, as England's appeal was unsuccessful. Michael Olise could also soon find himself in trouble. France appealed the yellow card he received against Paraguay after he put a finger to his lips while standing in front of Matías Galarza. The referee, however, apparently did not see the full incident. He only saw the Paraguayan player fall and booked the French winger. France's appeal was also rejected, meaning that if Olise receives another yellow card tonight against Morocco, he will miss the World Cup semifinal. All of this has only added to the frustration felt by both the French and the English.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Quarter-finals

Thursday

France - Morocco 2-0 (0-0)

/Mbappe 60, Dembele 66/

Friday

22.00: (1.65) Spain (4.00) Belgium (5.50)

Sunday

00.00: (4.00) Norway (3.70) England (1.90)

04.00: (1.75) Argentina (3.50) Switzerland (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***