FIFA red-card mandates leave U.S. “perplexed” The first 20 World Cup games in France saw four players receive red cards. After Thursday night’s games alone, where five red cards were issued in two games, the U.S. team is now uncertain on how to view FIFA’s red card mandate. “We’re perplexed, absolutely perplexed,” head coach Steve Sampson said. “Immediately after our game, FIFA made a statement to me saying there were two different instances in the game where German players deserved a red card for tackling from behind. They have gone from one extreme to another and this puts players in a difficult situation, where they now must guess what interpretation the referee will have.” U.S. midfielder Cobi Jones had similar concerns. “It seems like there was some kind of miscommunication with the enforcement of red cards,” Jones said. “The players are wondering what the situation will be at the beginning of every game. There is an obvious danger. Our defenders are very professional and experienced so I don’t expect to see any on our side.” One month ago, America’s only FIFA referee representative, Esse Baharmast, gave a one-hour presentation to the U.S. team at the ARCO Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., to discuss the interpretation of the tackle from behind. Baharmast, who showed a number of examples on video, said FIFA would be enforcing the rule strictly, indicating a red card would be given to any player committing a foul from behind. He also encouraged players to watch the first part of the tournament to see how referee’s would interpret the rule. FIFA bans banners Spectators attending Sunday’s USA-Iran match will not be allowed to bring in any signs or banners, according to FIFA officials, to alleviate any potential problems. The game, deemed as “high risk” by FIFA, is the first-ever soccer match between these two nations. Two training sessions The U.S. team trained twice today, once in Trevoux and the other time in St. Jean D’Ardieres. In between sessions, players ate lunch, had a meeting and rested. Trevoux send-off The U.S. team was given a warm send-off by the mayor of Trevoux and about 100 local residents after this mornings final training session in Trevoux. The mayor presented each player with a lithograph-like poster of Trevoux. The U.S. players signed autographs for 15 minutes. The team will train in Gerland Stadium on Saturday and will travel to Nantes on Monday. Team schedule Saturday, June 20 10:00 AM Closed training at Gerland Stadium. 11:00 AM Players & coaches meet with media in mixed zone at Gerland Stadium. Sunday, June 21 9:00 PM USA vs. Iran at Gerland Stadium in Lyon. Monday, June 22 12:00 PM Charter flight departs Lyon for Nantes. 1:10 PM Arrive into Nantes airport. 5:30 PM Players and coaches available for interviews at Hotel Pornic (tentative). 6:30 PM Team departs for open training session in Pornic (tentative).