The Christian Pulisic referee handshake moment after the United States’ 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on Monday was a controversial topic of discussion.
Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega had a horrendous night of officiating for the pivotal Copa América game with a highlight reel of fails. Ortega and Pulisic often bumped heads during the fixture with the American star not impressed with Ortega’s officiating.
In the final minutes of the game Pulisic took a shot near Uruguay’s box and took a hit from behind. Pulisic furiously yelled at Ortega about no foul being called.
Pulisic wanted the foul called on this challenge pic.twitter.com/HORL76HxVs
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
After Ortega blew for full time Pulisic went to shake the hands of the referee crew. Before doing so Pulisic pointed at the referees and then at the Uruguay team celebrating, insinuating that the officials should be celebrating with the other team after giving them favorable calls.
Ortega didn’t enjoy Pulisic’s accusation that the referees were rigging the game and refused the shake the USMNT captain’s hand.
Christian Pulisic referee handshake snub
An official refused to shake Pulisic's hand after the match pic.twitter.com/lurToJchMC
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
Christian Pulisic telling the referees to join the Uruguayan celebrationpic.twitter.com/4FsvUAHNAd
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) July 2, 2024
Ortega’s officiating left players and viewers baffled with several shocking decisions. VAR then approved Uruguay’s controversial winning goal.
Compilation of some of the most controversial refereeing moments from USA's match vs Uruguay ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XHwv9B5YfL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
The VAR review of the Uruguay goal ruled this as onside pic.twitter.com/awOZVDqp6a
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
“I saw things I’ve never seen before,” Pulisic said about the officiating after the game. “Right in front of my eyes today, that I truly couldn’t believe. I don’t know what I’m looking at, I don’t know what they’re calling, he (Ortega) gives no explanation, he’s doing things that I just can’t accept.”
Pulisic did also mention that the officiating decisions weren’t the reason for the USMNT’s elimination from Copa América.
