Tim Weah of the US national team suspended for two matches after a red card in the Copa America

U.S. men’s national team winger Tim Weah has been suspended for two matches for receiving a red card in Thursday’s 2-1 Copa America loss to Panama.

Weah was shown a straight red card in the 18th minute after hitting Panama defender Roderick Miller in the head off the ball. After seeing the contact, referee Ivan Barton warned Weah against going to the VAR screen and upgrading his decision to a red.

Weah will miss Monday’s group final against Uruguay and, if the U.S. advances to the knockout stage, will also miss the round of 16 match. Panama’s Coco Carrasquilla, who was shown a red card in the 88th minute for kicking U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, was also suspended for an extra match for his offence.

After the match, Weah apologized on social media for the red card. The United States were in control of the match at the time of the red card. The United States took a 1-0 lead after Weah’s sending off, but Panama equalized four minutes later to win in the 83rd minute.

Speaking to FOX on Saturday, Weah said: “I feel good. Obviously a little down about the circumstances. I think it was never my intention to put my team in that position.

“I think I’m portrayed as an aggressive person, and I’m not. It hurts a lot. And then when I see that my brothers have to go a different way to achieve our main goal, it really hurts a lot. The goal remains the same.

“We have a lot of goals as a team. I believe in the guys. I know they’ll make it to the final. I’m just here to push them. Do what I’ve done before: give the team energy, make sure the atmosphere is right and make sure everyone is smiling.

“I think that’s the most important thing. I wish them all the best. I will be with them through everything, supporting them, making sure they keep their heads on their shoulders.

“Being around this team, around this staff, around this group has always motivated me to be the best. This is my muse. It’s my escape from the world, so I like being here.

“I will do everything I can to be here, present for the team, aware of the way I support the guys. I think that’s the most important thing and let’s just pray that they get the job done.”

The United States must match or better Panama’s result v Bolivia v Uruguay to advance to the last eight.

(Hector Vivas/Getty Images)