Texans baffled by Trump-Balogun row, unfazed by United States exit | OneFootball

A day after the United States lost 1-4 to Belgium in the World Cup last 16, Texans largely moved on, the talk turning to the Trump-Balogun row. L'Équipe reports that many felt politics overshadowed the football.

Locals cited the fuss over attempts to overturn Folarin Balogun’s ban, some saying Donald Trump should not have intervened.

At a Soulman’s barbecue outside Dallas, 18-year-old server Gavin labelled the display dreadful. Colleagues Yanzey and Jaidyn felt the red was correct and said an England v USA tie for the 250th anniversary would have been fun, but few were distraught given stronger NFL and basketball loyalties.

In a Dallas diner, Dave, 60, said he had voted for Trump yet never liked him, calling his style purely transactional. He felt Balogun lacked intent and did not deserve a ban, and maintained the president should have stayed out of it, yet said he still preferred him to Biden.

Mike, 64, a construction boss, missed the match and will probably not watch on. He praised his president but felt any intervention was misplaced, adding that football is not central to local culture.

Near the Cotton Bowl, Robert of the African American Museum argued FIFA should be apolitical and that political requests harm fairness. The controversy did little for support or results as Christian Pulisic’s side matched the 1994 ceiling. Pulisic said they were proud after strong group displays, including beating Bosnia, yet added they still need one final step to compete with the best.

Source: L'Équipe