Megan Rapinoe’s National Anthem Stance Has a ’Harmful Impact on Millions of Followers, Says 33-Year-Old British Influencer

Megan Rapinoe is a big name in the women’s soccer universe. But her off-the-field impact is more massive than her on-the-field display. Off-the-field endeavors of outspoken Rapinoe over advocacy of social justice are well known. However, her stance over the national anthem during the FIFA Women’s World Cup hasn’t gone down well with a famous British influencer.

It seems Rapinoe is in the middle of the storm since her crucial penalty miss. Every passing day adds a new layer to the criticism. Rapinoe bids adieu to international soccer with disappointment as she announced her retirement date ahead of the World Cup. And now, after receiving flak for a penalty miss, she faces further criticism for setting a bad example for influencing the masses.

British influencer harshly criticizes Megan Rapinoe

The USWNT traveled to Australia and New Zealand with the hope to complete the three-peat. But they faltered in the Round of 16. Sweden ousted them on penalties, with Megan Rapinoe missing a crucial 4th penalty. Apart from their dismal performances, the Stars and Stripes stirred another controversy. Most players remained silent while The Star-Spangled Banner played before the World Cup games.

And team’s poor form soon garnered the attention of the fans towards the national anthem saga. Criticism crept in and isn’t stopping as British influencer Oli London joins the bandwagon. London said, “She doesn’t even sing the national anthem. She gets on a knee and laughs when she misses a penalty. So, that doesn’t surprise me,” speaking to FOX Soccer. Rapinoe once mentioned in 2019 that she won’t sing the national anthem again.

“But I think it’s harmful because someone like that who has a large following popularity. If young girls and young women are looking at Megan Rapinoe, they listen to what these people say. They take that word as gospel. I think it is very harmful to have a female athlete say that because it does affect all women. It’s simply not fair,” London said, speaking of the effects Rapinoe’s act could have. But London wasn’t the only one to call out the USWNT superstar over the national anthem.

READ MORE: “Like Rock, Paper, Scissors” – After Donald Trump’s Bashing, Megan Rapinoe’s Penalty Miss Rationalized by American Author

Former MMA veteran also calls out Rapinoe over the national anthem

Former MMA superstar Jorge Masvidal urged that Rapinoe needed help. However, he clarified the stance though. Accordingly, he also wants to hear the other side of the coin. Moreover, Masvidal feels that Rapinoe is in a state of denial. He also stated his views about the US calling it the ‘greatest country’ in the world. And she won’t get similar freedom in other countries like the one she gets here. 

It seems the criticism directed at Rapinoe isn’t stopping anytime soon. It will be interesting to see how the OL Reign superstar bounces back from the flak she is receiving. Rapinoe will hope to end her career on high with OL Reign with silverware.

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Is the criticism Rapinoe garnering acceptable? Let us know in the comments below.