Sport united in anthem issue

A disclaimer before I discuss another Donald Trump calamity – I believe that sport and politics do not mix.

Whether it’s over the flying of a flag, the support of a foreign country or issues with national anthems, there should be no place for it within sport.

Sport serves as a break from the monotony of everyday life.

It is in place to be a distraction and is a source of joy for millions of people around the world.

But, unfortunately, rarely a month goes by without some ridiculous argument over something political which has got nothing to do with sport but ultimately ends up impacting it.

So allow me to be completely hypocritical and now discuss the biggest issue in both American sports and American politics.

Enter the President of the United States.

When asked about what he made of the former San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem as a protest to racial tensions running high following trouble in America last year, his response lit a fire.

He said he would fire Kaepernick and called on owners across the National Football League to do so.

As Trump often does, he tried to stir up an issue over the players‘hating America’if they didn’t stand for the national anthem.

Kaepernick’s decision was a brave one and an important one.

He should be commended for highlighting an issue which has blighted America for some time.

Perhaps the President was looking for a distraction from issues like his personal fight with North Korea or the wall which looks more and more with every passing day like it will never come to fruition.

Whatever he was thinking he can be certain of one thing – it has backfired.

Owners and players from across the NFL have come together after being attacked by President Trump.

Even one of Trump’s backers for his presidential campaign – Robert Kraft, the chairman of New England Patriots – criticised him and vowed to support his players.

Across the United States and even at one game in London, players

... he can be certain of one thing – it has backfired