US Women's players branded 'disrespectful' over national anthem refusal

27 July 2023 , 10:04

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USA's players listen to their national anthem prior to the 2023 Women's World Cup Group E football match between the United States and the Netherlands (Image: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Image)

A number of United States Women’s National team players have been slammed after staying silent throughout the singing of the national anthem prior to their Women's World Cup Group E game against the Netherlands.

As many as six players opted to keep their arms at their sides or behind their backs and remained mute while the Star-Spangled Banner was belted out in Wellington. The act has been labelled as “embarrassing” and “disrespectful” across social media, with many claiming the USWNT failed expected patriotic standards with the protest.

Journalist Megyn Kelly was outspoken in her disdain: “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.

“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, 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.

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“It was too much of an effort [for them] to place their hand over their heart, or God forbid, sing.”

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There was also criticism on social media from supporters of the team, although they were defended by tennis legend Martina Navratilova. She responded to Kelly's comments, insisting: "They are defending it by playing their hardest and winning most of the time. Not by singing. Get a grip and start talking about solutions rather than searching for problems where there aren’t any.”

Andi Sullivan, Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Trinity Rodman and Crystal Dunn repeated their silent stance, initiated in their World Cup opening game versus Vietnam in an act to stand against social injustice.

Defender Girma shrugged off the criticism and said: “I think when we’re out there we’re preparing for the game, and that isn’t the focus. So ultimately, every player has the choice.”

It’s worth noting not all players partook, captain Lindsey Horan, striker Alex Morgan and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher all belted out the words with hands on their hearts before drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands, with Horan and Manchester City ’s Jill Roord hitting the target.

Louise Wilkes