Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega refused to shake 's hand after the winger appeared to suggest that the official should celebrate with the Uruguay squad after the United States were knocked out of the . Defeat for the USA meant the host nation were eliminated from the showpiece tournament after failing to qualify from Group C. The game was full of controversy, with Ortega at the helm of a number of questionable decisions that no doubt impacted Gregg Berhalter's.
With emotions running high, Pulisic did not hold back in his feelings towards the man in the middle, who he confronted him at full-time after his offer of a handshake was snubbed. Copa America 2024 Group stage tables In footage shown by FOX Sports, the 25-year-old can be seen approaching the referee and his two assistants at full-time, when he offers out his hand to Ortega. The Peruvian did not reciprocate, leading to Pulisic pointing in the referee's face and seemingly lambasting him for a poor performance.
However, an unedited version of the clip appears to show the American star, who was , pointing over to the Uruguay players who were celebrating their victory, and saying 'why aren't you over there with them?'. Ortega did not respond to the player's comments, simply opting not to show him respect with the handshake instead. The assistant referees shook hands with the AC Milan man.
Tensions were running high between the pair throughout the 90 minutes, with Pulisic at one point screaming in the referee's face after some.