Weston McKennie sent off as USA thrash Mexico in ugly affair
- George Dempsey
- 16 June 2023
Weston McKennie was one of four players sent off as violence and homophobia marred the United States 3-0 win over Mexico.
The USA made it six unbeaten against rivals Mexico amid unpleasant scenes that saw four players sent off and the game stopped due to homophobic chanting.
Ex-Leeds United loanee Weston McKennie saw red for what was seen as violent conduct by VAR officials.
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute when Christian Pulisic danced through a sea of green and found the bottom corner.
Immediately after half-time, Timothy Weah caused havoc down the right-hand side and his precision pass across the box was fired home by Pulisic for his second.
Ricardo Pepi put the icing on the cake late in the day when he punished a stretched Mexico defence with a cool finish.
The real talking points came on either side of Pepi's goal, with referee Ivan Barton issuing four red cards for violent clashes.
Folarin Balogun was violently scythed down by Cesar Montes in the 69th minute. The Mexican defender saw red and an ugly brawl ensued.
Amid the chaos, McKennie was surrounded by a number of opposition players and was judged to have put his hands on a Mexican throat by VAR.
The American international came under heavy fire during his recent spell at Leeds, but there was never any doubting his passion.
He left the field with a torn shirt, chest and shoulders exposed, kissing the US crest as beer reigned down from the Mexico supporters.
A sorry-looking Mexico were out for blood and in the 85th minute, Gerardo Arteaga decided to have a nibble at Sergino Dest in the corner.
The aftermath led to Arteaga and Dest both seeing red for aggressively pushing each other in the face.
The players collided again to a chorus of whistles while the Mexican supporters threw beer after beer at the scuffling huddle of players.
This questionable behaviour has become a theme in this fixture and the ugliest moment was yet to come.
Referee Ivan Barton halted the game in injury time as an all too familiar Spanish-language homophobic slur rang around the stadium.
In January, FIFA fined Mexico £108,000 for homophobic chanting during two games.
The game resumed, but so did the chanting. The referee blew his whistle four minutes early.
The US triumphed tres a cero and advanced to the CONCACAF Nations League final where they'll meet Canada.
Mexico goes home with their tail between their legs and a lot of work to do on and off the pitch. They'll be hearing from FIFA, too.
