The US Women's soccer team once again hit the headlines at the World Cup as they remained silent during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner ahead of their match against Portugal.
The defending champions were accused of disrespect ahead of their 2023 World Cup opener against Vietnam when six of 11 US players stayed silent and did not put their hands over their hearts during the anthem.
Ahead of their second match against the Netherlands, US Women produced another uninspiring performance during the anthem and today, ahead of playing Portugal, it proved the latest divisive episode.
While three players - including striker Alex Morgan - appeared to mumble along to the anthem, many in the squad stood motionless and did not put hands on their heart as the anthem played out. Four players - Morgan, Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Lindsey Horan - put hands on their chest.
In contrast, Portugal's players all sang proudly as their anthem was played.
'It's sad when only a few players show respect during the national anthem. And many question why Americans are rooting for a U.S. loss,' one fan wrote on Twitter.
'The worlds stage is not the place to try and push your agenda, it where you display pride and togetherness. Go USA!'
Another added: 'What this team just did when the Anthem played was disheartening and disgraceful, especially in contrast to Team Portugal.'
A third said: 'It is embarrassing watching the @USWNT during the National anthem. Thank you @LindseyHoran @julieertz for demonstrating your patriotism.'
Critics have continued to keep an eye on the US women's behavior during the anthem after former team captain Megan Rapinoe knelt in protest of racist police brutality beginning in 2016.
Rapinoe, now playing in her final World Cup, also said in 2019 that she would 'never put my hand over my heart' and 'never sing the national anthem again.'
All but one player knelt in protest before a 2021 game against Australia, but the team was falsely accused of turning its back on the flag and a World War II veteran before another game that year.
Controversy over the anthem at this tournament has drawn plenty of backlash.
Media personality Megyn Kelly has been among the most vocal critics, accusing the players who are staying silent of damaging the United States with their actions.
'I really do believe their version of what a feminist is, what it means to be an empowered woman, at least as an American woman, means you need to hate your country,' Kelly said on SiriusXM's The Megyn Kelly Show.
'It means to go out on the national stage and embarrass yourself and your country by not singing the national anthem. For several of them, not even holding their hands over their hearts when the national anthem played, that was a bridge too far.
'They couldn't be bothered to actually place their hand on their heart as the national anthem played, as they stood out there representing you and me and the country and our military and people who have given their lives for the country that they represent.
'It was too much of an effort [for them] to place their hand over their heart, or God forbid, sing.'
This USA team is bidding for soccer history - looking to become the first team in the men and women's game to win the World Cup in three straight tournaments.
BeckenbauerTikiTaka
1
Women ☕️
FuckEverything
0
😂😂 that’s the thing they aren’t complaining about anything now But you guys are😅😂 Hypocrite
They are, what are you talking about? I just told you what they are complaining about. How are we hypocrites? None of the players are gonna sleep with you dude😂
Javimor
0
That's the thing, they are the ones who always want to find something to complain about. That's why they aren't liked, they are wannabe activists and part time players.
😂😂 that’s the thing they aren’t complaining about anything now But you guys are😅😂 Hypocrite
FuckEverything
0
Exactly A lot of people have dedicated their little lives to hate on them That’ proves it Any little thing they do would be seen wrong in your eyes bcos that’s how you want to see it 😅😅 Enough with the hate love your own lives
That's the thing, they are the ones who always want to find something to complain about. That's why they aren't liked, they are wannabe activists and part time players.
Javimor
0
Its not hate, I just feel they lack respect. These "protesters" generally aren't liked lol. Why defend them? Especially that blue or pink haired rat.
Exactly A lot of people have dedicated their little lives to hate on them That’ proves it Any little thing they do would be seen wrong in your eyes bcos that’s how you want to see it 😅😅 Enough with the hate love your own lives
FuckEverything
0
Enough with the hate So you’re saying they had a problem for a while now It’s no big deal If they had a problem u best believe they would’ve spoken about it by now
Its not hate, I just feel they lack respect. These "protesters" generally aren't liked lol. Why defend them? Especially that blue or pink haired rat.
Javimor
0
Not singing or placing their hand on their heart.
Enough with the hate So you’re saying they had a problem for a while now It’s no big deal If they had a problem u best believe they would’ve spoken about it by now
FuckEverything
0
Doing what
Not singing or placing their hand on their heart.
Javimor
0
Social injustice, they've been doing it for a while now.
Doing what
FuckEverything
0
Activists for what They already have what they asked for Which is equal pay Everyone is just looking around for the slightest reason possible to create headlines
Social injustice, they've been doing it for a while now.
Javimor
0
Im pretty sure most do. In the US, the least someone can do is place their hand over their heart, only 5 did that. I think the women are just being activists or something idk.
Activists for what They already have what they asked for Which is equal pay Everyone is just looking around for the slightest reason possible to create headlines
FuckEverything
0
Most players don’t sing the anthem It’s has nothing to do with respect
Im pretty sure most do. In the US, the least someone can do is place their hand over their heart, only 5 did that. I think the women are just being activists or something idk.
Javimor
0
You sing out of respect. They don't sing because they don't have any respect lol
Most players don’t sing the anthem It’s has nothing to do with respect
FuckEverything
0
Lol I really thought there was much more to this news Nonsensical It’s not by force to sing the national anthem
You sing out of respect. They don't sing because they don't have any respect lol
Javimor
0
Lol I really thought there was much more to this news Nonsensical It’s not by force to sing the national anthem
Zeybikmst
0
US is getting destroyed from inside out.
Yes, the socialists are trying very hard.
Zeybikmst
1
A disgrace.
Putadklruz
0
the way they can respect black people in USA is when you represent the country but without that we are sheet Old
cewadmnrst
2
is this the future of football? using this great sport to push your own bullshit
tientu
2
Who cares!
Muzbcipyz
0
the point is if they don't like their country, why represent it?? They could have boycotted the World Cup. Oh No. They are there for their personal reasons
can you eat your cake and still have it?
Muzbcipyz
1
This is simply part and parcel of the currently ravaging WOKE belief and movement being championed by tLa lot of USA citizens. It's simply self-destructive.
Emchi
0
It's a choice. But, something most be wrong somewhere.
martinchilufyaselass
2
This would’ve not happened if the goat CR7 was playing
Shmonny
1
Nonsense people
Discimyz
3
US is getting destroyed from inside out.
Zowilmtz
6
the point is if they don't like their country, why represent it?? They could have boycotted the World Cup. Oh No. They are there for their personal reasons