Trump attacks US women's soccer team star player Megan Rapinoe two days before World Cup quarter final

‘Megan should WIN first before she TALKS!’

Adam Forrest
Wednesday 26 June 2019 16:37 BST
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US footballer Megan Rapinoe says she's 'not going to the f****** White House'

Donald Trump has launched an extended attack on star US women’s football team player Megan Rapinoe, just two days before she is due to take part in the side’s World Cup quarter-final.

Rapinoe had told reporters she was “not going to the f***ing White House” if her team won the tournament.

The president responded by criticising the co-captain in a series of tweets early Wednesday, saying “Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!”

“We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose,” he stated. “Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team.”

The president originally spelled Rapinoe’s name incorrectly on Twitter – tagging the @meganrapino account with fewer than 500 followers.

On Tuesday the co-captain insisted she would not visit the White House even if her side wins the tournament this summer.

“I’m not going to the f***ing White House,” said Rapinoe when asked about a possible congratulatory trip. “No, I’m not going to the White House. We’re not going to be invited. I doubt it.”

The 33-year-old forward has previously attacked Mr Trump as a “sexist” and “misogynistic” and described herself as “a walking protest”.

In 2016 she become one of the first athletes to join Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.

Although she is not kneeling during the anthem at World Cup matches this summer, Rapinoe has so far refused to sing or put her hand over her heart during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in France.

Rapinoe is one of 28 players suing the United States Soccer Federation for gender discrimination as part of a claim that “female players have been consistently paid less money than their male counterparts”.

Earlier this week Mr Trump said he thought male players earning more “has to do with the economics,” but also claimed to be a fan of the Women’s World Cup team. “I love watching women’s soccer. They’re really talented.”

The US national team, favourite to retain the trophy having triumphed in 2015, is playing hosts France in the quarter-finals on Friday.

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