UNITED STATES PRESIDENT Donald Trump has criticised Megan Rapinoe for protesting during the national anthem at the Women’s World Cup.
Rapinoe took a knee in 2016 to show solidarity with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ to highlight social inequality and injustice in the USA.
The 33-year-old attacker, who has described herself as “a walking protest”, has taken to abstaining from singing during pre-game ceremonies in France.
Asked if he thought USA co-captain Rapinoe’s actions were appropriate, Trump told The Hill: “No. I don’t think so.”
In March, 28 members of the USA women’s team filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer, citing gaps in pay and resources.
Trump suggested he did not have enough knowledge of the finer details of the issue to take a position.
“I think a lot of it also has to do with the economics,” Trump said. “I mean who draws more, where is the money coming in.
“I know that when you have the great stars like [Portugal's Cristiano] Ronaldo and some of these stars … that get paid a lot of money, but they draw hundreds of thousands of people.
“But I haven’t taken a position on that at all. I’d have to look at it.”
The USA will face hosts France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after Rapinoe scored two penalties in a 2-1 last-16 win over Spain on Monday.
As a Leeds fan I remember his time at Elland Rd well. I’d seen him alot at Reading and was shocked how much he’d regressed. He couldn’t make a pass nor stay onside nevermind get a shot on target. The crowd were baying for blood. It was awful to watch. Myself and Dad as Irishmen we dying for him to go well, but it never came.
Bamford sadly is experiencing a escalating wrath at the minute also. Could do worse than pick up the phone to Noel!
Matt Doherty is the best Irish player to have played in England in a very long time.
my favourite Ireland jersey there
@The Great Cornholio: sarcastic or i dont know thats the leeds kit
@Paddy D: no the top photo. leeds jersey is also very nice, the macron ones are the nicest since the nike ones of the early noughties
waiting here boys..
me.beep.ie/HNp
only 18+
Just to make things better, he scored in a pre season friendly Vs Shelbourne