FIFA appeals to Trump for tolerance
Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has appealed for “tolerance, mutual respect and common sense” after United States President Donald Trump denounced the annulment of a policy that required footballers to stand during the national anthem.
Trump tweeted Saturday that “I won’t be watching much anymore!”
He also retweeted Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, who wrote: “I’d rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won’t stand for the national anthem.”
It was United States captain Megan Rapinoe, kneeling in support of Colin Kaepernick, that led to the US Soccer Federation adopting the rule in 2017.
The lone black member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet said yesterday he would work with the president on the issue.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson said he believes that most players are kneeling to protest police brutality, not because they disrespect the flag. He said that players need to make that clear.
When asked on the US-based ‘The Hugh Hewitt Show’ if he might persuade the president not to be upset with players kneeling during the anthem, Carson replied: “Well, I don’t think he has manifested as much animosity in that region lately. And I think we just continue to work with him. He’ll get there.”
HUD officials said Carson was not available to elaborate further.
– AP