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US Women’s Soccer Demands Repeal Of ‘Anthem Policy’ Requiring They ‘Stand Respectfully’

The United States women’s national soccer team, which includes devoted national anthem kneeler Megan Rapinoe, is now demanding that the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) “immediately repeal” a 2017 policy which inhibits kneeling protests by requiring players to “stand respectfully” during the national anthem.

US Women’s Soccer Players Fight Ban Against Anthem Kneeling

Fox News reported that the patriotic policy was put in place after Rapinoe took a knee before her game as her team took on the Chicago Red Stars in 2016.

“We believe the Federation should immediately repeal the ‘Anthem Policy,’ publish a statement acknowledging the policy was wrong when it was adopted and issue an apology to out Black players and supporters,” read a statement by the players that was posted on Twitter.

“Further, we believe the Federation should lay out its plans on how it will now support the message and movement that it tried to silence four years ago.”

“Until USSF does so, the mere existence of the Policy will continue to perpetuate the misconceptions and fear that clouded the true meaning and significance of Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe and other athletes taking a knee—that Black people in America have not been and continue to not be afforded the same liberties and freedoms as white people and that police brutality and systemic racism exist in this country,” the statement continued.

Policy Requires Players To Respect The Anthem By Standing

The USSF policy in question was enacted in February of 2017. The policy states that, “All persons representing a Federation national team shall stand respectfully during the playing of national anthems at any event in which the Federation is represented.”

The soccer federation’s board of directors is reportedly meeting today to discuss the policy. And a vote on it could come as early as Friday, according to reports.

Of course, Rapinoe was quick to hop on the Colin Kaepernick train. She followed in his shoes after the QB began taking a knee while the national anthem played before his NFL games back in 2016. Kaepernick said he knelt to protest racial inequality in America.

The move outraged patriotic Americans everywhere. Many saw this as a sign of disrespect towards the flag and those who have fought for it.

NFL Folds To Pressure As Well

This push against the USSF comes just days after the NFL folded on this issue. Friday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued an apology about how the league handled the anthem kneeling protests.

“We, at the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter,” he said. “I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country.”

It’s sad that we are living in a time when these kind of anti-American protests are not only being normalized, but celebrated.

James Conrad

James Conrad’s passion for politics is only overshadowed by his longstanding interest in Hollywood. His unique perspective as a gay conservative fuels him to challenge celebrity views and those who think they have a right to tell anyone how to think or vote. James proudly wields his minority point of view to combat identity politics and cut through his typecast. Fun fact: James’ guilty pleasure is the British royal family.