USA’s Dest apologises for red card after criticism

USA defender Sergino Dest has issued an apology for being sent off in the loss to Trinidad and Tobago after criticism from his team-mates and coach.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter called Dest’s actions “inexcusable” and captain Tim Ream said he had showed a “lack of respect”.

Dest admitted his behaviour was “unacceptable, selfish and immature”.

Despite Monday’s defeat, the US progressed to the semi-final 4-2 on aggregate after winning last week’s first leg 3-0 and have secured their place in next year’s Copa America.

Antonee Robinson opened the scoring for the US in the 25th minute before 23-year-old Dest was sent off 14 minutes later in Port of Spain.

He was initially booked by referee Walter Lopez for kicking the ball away before receiving a second yellow for continuing to berate the referee, shouting and sarcastically blowing kisses.

Trinidad’s Reon Moore netted a 43rd-minute equaliser before Alvin Jones’ free-kick secured victory for the home side in the 57th minute.

“[Dest] put a number of guys in jeopardy, made a number of guys do a lot of extra work in this weather,” said Berhalter.

“It is concerning because that’s not what we want to represent. That’s not who we are as a group.

“We pride ourselves in staying mentally disciplined, battling through any type of conditions, whether they’re good decisions or bad decisions.

“We’re supposed to keep going and respond in an appropriate way, and that obviously wasn’t the right response from Sergino.”

Goalkeeper Matt Turner and Fulham defender Ream were seen shouting at Dest and trying to calm him down as he trudged off the pitch.

Ream said after the match some “choice words” had been aimed at the full-back, who is on loan at PSV from Barcelona, in the dressing room at half time.

“I think ‘words with him’ would be putting it nicely, to be completely honest with you,” said Ream.

“There’s not not too many things that I can say here publicly that we said privately.

“It’s a complete lack of respect for the guys that are playing, for the guys that are on the bench. It’s a feeling of a lack of respect for the game itself [and] for the referees.”

Fulham left-back Robinson agreed, calling Dest’s actions a moment of “unprofessionalism”.

Dest said on Instagram: “I want to apologize to my team-mates, staff and fans and whole nation for my behaviour – it was unacceptable, selfish, and immature.

“I let my team down. It’s something I have to learn from and it won’t happen again.”

Dest will be suspended for the Nations League semi-final in March, having missed the final of the this year’s edition after being sent off in the last-four match against Mexico.