Chaos as USA exit Copa America: One of the worst VAR calls ever, what Christian Pulisic did for the referee to refuse to shake hands and furious fans bemoan waste of 'golden generation'

The USA crashed out of the 2024 Copa America on Monday night but the tournament hosts did not exit quietly.

Monday's Group C finale in Kansas City ended with USA star Christian Pulisic telling Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega that he and his team of officials should celebrate with the Uruguay players.

This came after Uruguay beat Pulisic's side 1-0 courtesy of a controversial goal scored by Mathias Olivera.

Many fans, players and pundits were furious that a VAR review allowed the goal to stand, despite one frame appearing to show that Olivera was well offside when Ronald Araujo initially got his head on the end of a Nicolas de la Cruz free-kick.

Araujo's header was saved but Olivera tapped home the rebound to help his side finish top of Group C.

A tweet by World Soccer Talk described the decision as 'UNBELIEVABLE', while one USA fan wrote: 'So this isn't offside..... ok, CONMEBOL...ok...'

Referee Ortega refused to shake hands with Pulisic following the final whistle, but only after the former Chelsea forward shouted at him while pointing at the celebrating Uruguay players: 'Why aren't you over there with them?'

Despite being adamant that Uruguay's goal should not have stood, fans were also quick to point out that the USA's early exit from their own party was not solely down to the officials.

A draw against Uruguay would still have seen Pulisic and Co knocked out of the tournament because of last week's 2-1 defeat by Panama, who ultimately went through in second place with six points, two ahead of the States.

After Monday's game, many fans - including scores of Mexico supporters -  took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the performance by what is supposedly the USA's 'golden generation'.

One wrote: 'I have zero sympathy for the USMNT. The team said the Copa America is a "warm up", a "stepping stone".

'What happens when you bring that attitude to this tourney? You get grouped. This USA golden generation, coaching staff, media, and fanbase is entitled.

'Now hold the L.'

Another added: 'US Mens National team is lethargic, they have no skill, the "golden generation" is trash and we deserve better. I hate to see this team lose time and time again'.

A third comment read: 'In a group with only one good team, the USA failed to get out of Group C.

'Maybe pump the brakes on the "Golden Generation" talk until they actually win something. It's disappointing, but I can't say surprising.'

Fans were also widely unimpressed by the television coverage of Monday's game.

The main gripe was the primary camera angle used during the first half of the live broadcast.

Commenting on the long-range shot, one fan wrote on Reddit: 'Feels like I'm watching someone play Mobile FIFA lol. Need my binoculars'.

Another quipped: 'What is this? Football for ants?'

But there was some praise for the host broadcaster after the camera angle was changed mid-match.

'USA vs. Uruguay had the worst camera angle EVER lol,' one fan's tweet began.

'Everyone on Twitter absolutely roasts it, 41 mins in they actually changed it haha.

'Honestly shoutout @fs1 cool to see them listening. so much better now'.

After topping Group C with nine points out of nine, Uruguay's quarter-final opponents will be the team that finishes second in Group D.

That will likely be Brazil or Colombia - who will play each other on Tuesday night.

Colombia currently sit top of the Group D with six points, with Brazil second on four.