Referee Kevin Ortega Rejects Pulisic's Hand After The United States-Uruguay Match

Kevin Ortega refuses to hold the American captain's hand, Christian Pulisic. (photo: screenshot)

JAKARTA - The last match of Group C of the Copa America between the United States and Uruguay Tuesday, July 2, was full of controversy. Olivera's single goal in the 66th minute gave Charr Badminton victory and sent the United States to early elimination of the competition in which they hosted.

In the midst of offsides and cards issued in the match, young referee Kevin Ortega made the last move to disappoint many US fans. Right after the end of the match, the Peruvian referee refused to serve as the American team's star and captain Christian Pulisic.

Ortega, who is only 32 years old and one of the youngest referees in FIFA, did not make himself favored by Gregg Berhalter's side, who spent most of the game complaining about his decision. According to them, he gave an unfair yellow card and made a mistake in Uruguay's goal which eventually ensured the US team was eliminated.

Speaking to ESPN, Pulisic assessed the referee's appearance, both in the match and when he refused to take office.

"He doesn't want to take office in my hands," Pulisic said. "It's normal, I think. Honestly, today I saw things I've never seen before. I really don't believe it. After all, this is not the reason why we lost. We didn't leave because of the referee's decision."

Defender Antonee Robinson also called Ortega's appearance an "administrative show".

This controversy adds to the burden on the US team already facing tough challenges in the match, and makes fans and players even more disappointed with the final result of the match.