Megan Rapinoe Kneels for Anthem Before Game in Which She Represented the US

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the pregame National Anthem on Thursday night — something she has done before. But this time, she did it while representing the United States national team.

Rapinoe continued her protest against racial inequality prior to the national team’s match against Thailand in Columbus, OH. She was the only player to kneel.

US Soccer issued a statement condemning Rapinoe, which aired during the ESPN 2 broadcast of the match. The statement read, in part: “As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the National Anthem is played.”

Statement from U.S. Soccer on ESPN2 broadcast. pic.twitter.com/4n9LfFcBHM

— John D. Halloran (@JohnDHalloran) September 16, 2016

Rapinoe played in the second half of the national team’s 9-0 victory over Thailand. After the match, she told ESPN2 that she believed her protest was more significant because she was wearing the national team’s jersey.

“I think it means a lot more. I truly feel like I am representing my country by doing this, in representing everyone that lives in this country, not just the people who look like me.”

[h/t The New York Times]

[image via screengrab]

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