USMNT’s Tim Weah was suspended for two matches after a red card in the Copa America

American winger Tim Weah has been suspended for two matches for his red card in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Panama in the Copa America.

Weah was sent off in the 18th minute after hitting Panama defender Roderick Miller in the head away from the ball. After witnessing the contact, referee Ivan Barton warned Weah before going to the screen for VAR review and upgrading his decision to a red.

Weah will miss Monday’s group final against Uruguay and, if the U.S. advances to the knockouts, will also miss the quarterfinals. Panama’s Coco Carrasquilla, who was shown a red card in the 88th minute for kicking U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, has also been given an additional match suspension for his attack.

Weah apologized for the red card on social media after the game. At the time of the red, the U.S. was controlling the game. The U.S. took a 1-0 lead after Weah’s ejection, but Panama equalized four minutes later and found a winner in the 83rd minute.

Speaking to FOX on Saturday, Weah said: “I’m doing well. A little down of course given the circumstances. I think it was never my intention to put my team in this situation.

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“I think I’m being portrayed as a violent person, which I’m not. That really hurts. And then seeing my brothers have to take a different route to achieve our main goal, it really hurts. The goal remains the same.

“We have set a lot of goals as a team. I believe in the boys. I know they will make it to the final. I’m just here to push them. Do the same thing I did before: give that energy to the team, make sure the vibes are good and keep everyone smiling. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Weah will now focus his energy on supporting his teammates in whatever way he can while he is sidelined.

“I wish them the best,” he said. “I’ll be with them through everything, supporting them, making sure they keep their heads up.

“Being with this team, with this staff, with this group has always pushed me to be the best I can be. This is my muse. This is my escape from the world, so I enjoy being here.

“I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m here, present for the team, intentional with the way I support the guys. I think that’s the most important thing and I just pray they get the job done.”

The US must match or improve on Panama’s win over Bolivia against Uruguay to advance to the last eight.

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(Hector Vivas/Getty Images)