USMNT coach, players criticize Dest for bizarre red card

United States men’s national team defender Sergiño Dest was sent off in a Nations League matchup with Trinidad and Tobago Monday night. The red card, however, was not for dangerous play such as a terrible tackle. Instead, the PSV full-back was handed two yellow cards within 30 seconds for dissent.

As the Yanks were winning the match 1-0, and up 4-0 on aggregate, Dest thought he kept the ball in play along the sideline. Nevertheless, the assistant referee waved his flag to signal for a throw in. The defender then picked up the ball and kicked it off of the pitch in protest. Match referee Walter Lopez quickly gave Dest his first yellow card.

Several American teammates, including Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah, tried to cool down Dest after the booking. Reyna even tried putting his hand over Dest’s mouth to avoid any further incident. Dest, however, could not keep his calm and was shown a second yellow card as he continued to yell at the ref. The full-back even blew Lopez a kiss after being sent off.

Trinidad and Tobago would go on to win the match 2-1 on their home turf. Despite the loss, the Yanks advanced to the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on an aggregate score of 4-2. Although they do not yet know their opponent, the USMNT will play the semifinal matchup in March at AT&T Stadium in Texas.

USMNT coach calls Dest’s actions ‘inexcusable’

After the disappointing display, Dest took to social media to apologize for the incident. “I want to apologize to my teammates, Staff, Fans and whole nation for my behavior it was unacceptable, Selfish and immature I let my team down!” Dest wrote on Instagram. “It’s something I have to learn from and it won’t happen again!”

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter was asked about the defender’s actions after the loss. The manager labeled the incident as “concerning” and also claimed that the player must be accountable for his actions. “It’s inexcusable and it was surreal,” said…

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Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2023-11-21 16:08:16

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