Sports
Megan Rapinoe Slams Team USA’s Ice Hockey Team After Donald Trump Meet
Two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe has waded into the latest Winter Olympics controversy. The former US captain launched a scathing attack on the USA men’s ice hockey team for laughing at US President Donald Trump’s joke about the women’s team’s success.
The men’s hockey team were being addressed by Trump in the locker room on Sunday, having won Olympic gold in dramatic fashion. An overtime win over Canada sealed their first Olympic gold in 46 years. However, the men’s team quickly went from cold ice to hot water, following Trump’s controversial quip.
Trump invited the victorious players to the State of the Union following their triumph, before joking that he’d have to invite the women’s team too, or otherwise he’d be impeached. The US players responded with laughter, with the reaction being met with widespread criticism. The US women’s team also beat Canada to secure gold in hockey, but rejected their invite from Trump.
What Megan Rapinoe Has Said About USA’s Ice Hockey Team
Speaking to wife Sue Bird on their joint podcast ‘A Touch More’, Rapinoe refused to pull any punches in her thoughts on the incident. In Rapinoe’s eyes, the men’s team ruined their own incredible achievement by aligning with Trump in that moment.
“‘In what I like to call a classic ‘ripping defeat from the jaws of victory’, the United States men’s hockey team, in their utter moment of glory, childhood dreams come true, sensational, ruined it for themselves,” argued Rapinoe. “They allowed themselves to be co-opted by a clown. And now you’re a clown. You look like a clown.”
Another controversy that has emerged in multiple reports concerns FBI Director Kash Patel. Patel allegedly joined the raucous celebrations in the locker room, arranging the call with Trump. Rapinoe also questioned Patel’s decision-making as a high-ranking public figure.
“Kash Patel is in the locker room, partying, chugging beers. I’m not decorum over everything. That’s not what I need out of my FBI director. Like, what are we doing?
“They get on the phone with Trump and Trump makes the comment about the women’s team […] You just accomplished this amazing thing,” Rapinoe added. “You just gave this whole moment over to this person who you know is only going to use it for him.
“First of all, the joke isn’t even funny. I don’t understand the funny part of the joke. And, like, why don’t you respect yourself more than to have that moment be taken by someone who, for no reason at all, takes a huge swing and a jab at women who did the exact same thing as you did.”
Rapinoe compared the incident with how the US women’s soccer team managed the locker room after similar triumphs. As well as two World Cups, Rapinoe also won Olympic gold at London 2012 and three consecutive CONCACAF titles. But Rapinoe claimed that the women’s players never let the likes of Trump or the Republican Party force their way into the celebrations.
“I know what happens in those locker rooms. People get brought in, you have no say,” continued Rapinoe. “To have the President of the United States on the phone, you get yourself wrapped in this moment. For me, that would’ve been clear to our staff and to the larger organisation and support staff. Those people would never be allowed in our locker room.”
Megan Rapinoe’s Previous Beef With Donald Trump
Rapinoe famously drew the ire of Trump when she claimed that the US women’s team would “not f****** go to the White House’ if they won the 2019 World Cup.
But instead of berating Rapinoe, Trump’s response was uncharacteristically contained. “I am a big fan of the American Team and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet,” he posted on social media. “We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose.”
Sports
Man Utd Could Save £100m by Reintegrating Marcus Rashford
Manchester United could save themselves over £100m in the summer transfer window after an update emerged from Fabrizio Romano.
It’s been a busy summer transfer window for the Red Devils as they look to improve their squad in order to prepare for a season in the Champions League.
The main focus has been on looking to bring in new midfielders, but there’s no doubt they could also be aiming to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.
Competing in the Champions League is a huge boost for the Red Devils, but it also means they need a bigger and more competitive squad.
United were without the distraction of European football last season, which undoubtedly helped Michael Carrick to turn things back in the right direction.
Alongside Ederson: Midfielder Travels to Complete Man Utd Medical
Man Utd are in the market for midfielders this summer.
Man Utd Could Save £100m+
Manchester United have been linked with a move to sign Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers in the summer transfer window, with the Midlands club demanding over £100m to allow him to depart.
The Red Devils are clearly looking to strengthen in the forward line, not just in midfield, with Rogers one of the reported targets.
Despite that, United could save themselves over £100m after a recent claim by Italian journalist Romano.
The respected reporter has suggested that United have held talks with Marcus Rashford, and they are now open to welcoming him back to training to start pre-season with Carrick.
There’s no guarantee that he will remain at the club, but it appears the doors have been opened for him to reintegrate back into the senior squad.
This could save United millions if they bring Rashford back into the fold as an option on the left-hand side of attack rather than splashing out on Rogers.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Rashford Could Explode Under Carrick
With the style that Carrick has looked to implement at Old Trafford, Rashford could be an ideal player for his system.
The England international is deadly in transition, and United have looked to play counter-attacking football under Carrick in his short period in charge.
United already have Matheus Cunha, who plays on the left-hand side, so there’s no need for them to splash out on someone like Rogers, especially when they can reintegrate Rashford.
The former Barcelona loanee could explode under Carrick, and if they are struggling to offload him this summer, it makes sense to give him another opportunity under the new manager.
Sports
Tottenham’s Decision on Mikey Moore Amid Rangers Interest
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has made a decision on the future of young winger Mikey Moore amid interest from Scottish Premiership side Rangers.
Moore spent the 25-26 season on loan at Rangers, playing 47 times across all competitions, even winning the Scottish Premiership Young Player of the Season award.
The 18-year-old scored seven times and created four goals for the Scottish club, making a real impact at a young age.
Understandably, Rangers have been showing an interest in signing him once again, with a report suggesting that they’d hoped to secure his signature on loan for another season.
Mikey Moore will return to Tottenham ahead of pre-season, when Spurs will then have a decision to make on his next steps in his development.
Tottenham Make New Move To Complete Statement Sandro Tonali Signing
Tottenham are getting closer to making a statement signing
Tottenham: Mikey Moore Decision Made
According to a report from Football London writer Alasdair Gold, Tottenham manager De Zerbi wants to take a close look at Moore during pre-season. The club have no interest in letting him leave permanently this summer.
A number of clubs from the United Kingdom and across Europe are taking a look at Moore, keen on either signing him permanently or on loan in the summer transfer window.
De Zerbi will later make a decision on the future of Moore. He’ll decide whether to send him out on loan for at least the first half of the campaign, with Tottenham having a lack of fixtures due to no European football.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Tottenham Must Put Mikey Moore First
When making a decision on the future of Moore, Tottenham need to ensure they have his best interests at heart.
Keeping the young winger around as a squad player would likely be beneficial to De Zerbi, giving him an additional option in attack.
His development might be best served elsewhere, allowing him to play regular minutes at a senior level.
If Moore stays at Spurs heading into the new season, he is unlikely to be a guaranteed starter, which could hinder his development going forward.
Moore already has a taste of regular senior football with Rangers, and it could be tempting for him to go elsewhere and play football on loan for the season.
Sports
‘Real Reason’ Why Van Dijk Didn’t Take Penalty vs Morocco
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk came in for heavy criticism after the Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties against Morocco.
Ronald Koeman’s men looked set to reach the Round of 16 when Cody Gakpo struck in the 72nd minute to put the Dutch in front. The Moroccans equalised right at the death courtesy of a superb header from Issa Diop in the 90+1st minute.
The two countries couldn’t be separated after extra-time and the game headed to a penalty shootout. Van Dijk didn’t take a penalty and watched his nation fall to a 3-2 shootout defeat at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico.
Van Dijk Opted Not to Take Penalty vs Morocco
Van Dijk often has no issue stepping up and taking a penalty, and he’s done just that throughout his Liverpool career. He famously scored an ice-cool spot-kick in the Reds’ Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea in 2022.
Many expected to see the Netherlands skipper try to keep his nation in the World Cup after Justin Kluivert and Quinten Timber missed from the spot. West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville instead took Oranje’s fifth penalty.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Summerville’s effort and sent Koeman’s side packing. A disastrous outcome for Van Dijk, whose country was eliminated in the first knockout round.
According to De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, Van Dijk “stepped aside” and let Summerville take the final penalty despite the West Ham man suffering from cramps. That decision hasn’t gone down well in his homeland, and his international future has been cast into doubt.
The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in the Netherlands’ team throughout the years, earning his 96th cap in the defeat to Morocco. He played every single minute of his nation’s World Cup campaign, including scoring in a 2-2 draw against Japan and assisting in a 3-1 win over Tunisia.
Van Dijk Told he ‘Betrayed’ Netherlands
Van Dijk defended Koeman’s tactical setup after the game, despite his team having just 30% possession. He told reporters:
“I think we were well organised defensively. They basically couldn’t find the open man between the lines. So the game plan worked, of course. I think we scored a good goal. Ultimately, in injury time, you get pushed back. Then it goes to penalties; unfortunately, we get knocked out.”
Despite this, the Dutch media have placed the blame for the Netherlands’ early exit on Van Dijk and Koeman, suggesting the national team must move on from the pair. They even go as far as to suggest that the duo “betrayed everything our national football stands for.”
That was Driessen’s verdict following the loss to Morocco, and he believes the Liverpool centre-back has “had his time.” He reckons Koeman’s successor won’t need to visit Merseyside to try and persuade Van Dijk to continue his international career to Euro 2028 because “it’s time for a breath of fresh air and a fresh start” without him.
Van Dijk has often been called out by Dutch media and pundits during his international career. Marco van Basten took a swipe at the Liverpool star back in 2023, questioning his leadership abilities.
While he is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders of his generation, some evidently feel he doesn’t possess the qualities required of a captain. His decision not to step up during the penalty shootout has stirred up debate not only about his captaincy credentials but also about whether he should continue with his national team.
-
Sports10 hours agoVirgil van Dijk Slammed For Comments After Netherlands’ World Cup Exit v Morocco
-
Sports12 hours agoZlatan Ibrahimovic Blames Netherlands’ Shock World Cup Exit on Ronald Koeman
-
Sports9 hours agoKevin Pietersen Causes Stir With Tweet About His International Cricket Retirement
-
Sports2 days agoJesse Marsch’s Full Speech After Canada vs South Africa
-
Sports9 hours agoCarlo Ancelotti Explains Why He Didn’t Celebrate Brazil’s Winner v Japan
-
Sports1 day agoHow Much Emma Raducanu Will Earn Despite Withdrawing Through Injury
-
Sports1 day agoRoger Federer Names His Top 5 Tennis Players of All Time
-
Sports4 hours agoLeon Goretzka Slammed For Not Taking Penalty in Germany vs Paraguay


