Domino’s is helping US soccer fans cope after striker Folarin Balogun got a red card in the World Cup.
The US secured its second-ever World Cup knockout victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. But the team had to finish the game without Balogun after getting a red card from the refs in the second half, frustrating fans.
The good news is that the red card has activated a Domino’s deal for pizza lovers.
In May, Domino’s announced it was going to be there to “help soften the blow” when a red card is pulled by giving away $1 million worth of its “Emergency Pizzas.” And fans have come to collect.
“Red card, can I get my free pizza?” one fan wrote to Domino’s on social media.
Domino’s jokingly refused to comment on the red card in a post on Instagram Stories.
“But a promise is a promise for those that signed up…” Domino’s said, adding, “Check your Rewards 7/2 to see if you won.”
To win the free pizza, Domino’s customers had to register before the World Cup started last month and be enrolled in Domino’s rewards program.
After the red card was pulled, Domino’s randomly selected more than 60,000 winners to receive a medium, two-topping pizza free of charge.
Those who won the free pizza must redeem the prize by August 2.
“Soccer gurus know the worst thing to happen in a game is for a player on the team you’re rooting for to receive a red card,” Kate Trumbull, Domino’s executive vice president, said in a May press release.
“If that happens to the American squad, Domino’s is here to help ease the pain by giving away Emergency Pizzas. It may not change the outcome of the match, but it can provide a delicious pick-me-up when it’s needed most.”
During Wednesday’s match in Santa Clara, California, referee Raphael Claus announced a “serious foul” against Balogun after he dug his studs into the calf of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic as the two fought for the ball.
Even with the red card, the US beat Bosnia and Herzegovina two to zero in the round of 32.
The US advanced to the round of 16 and will play against Belgium in Seattle on Monday. But because of Balogun’s red card, he will be out of the game.
