.png)
3 months ago
15
USWNT star Korbin Albert was booed by fans on Saturday as she was introduced vs. South Korea in a rainbow-themed jersey.
Albert, 20, publicly apologized in March for reposting a now-deleted video of a Christian worship space preaching against homosexuality and 'feeling transgender.'
And on Saturday - the first day of Pride month in the US - she was jeered by fans as she took the field in Colorado during her team's eventual 4-0 wiin.
Albert, like the rest of her teammates, was wearing a Pride-themed shirt with rainbow-colored numbers.
The midfielder was also booed by fans in April when she was introduced by Japan in the SheBelieves Cup.
And it wasn't just supporters who were upset with her then, as USWNT veterans Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan publicly addressed Albert's social media activity.
'We're extremely extremely sad that the standard was not upheld,' Horan said. 'Our fans and our supporters feel like this is a team that they can rally behind. It's so important that they continue to feel undeniably heard and seen.'
'We stand by maintaining a safe and respectful place, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community,' Morgan added. 'This platform has given us an opportunity to highlight causes that matter to us- something that we never take for granted.'
On March 28, following intense public backlash, Albert publicly apologized and promised 'to do better.'
'I'm really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended,' she wrote.
Albert, seen playing vs. South Korea on Saturday (left), has been a controversial figur
The USWNT donned rainbow-themed shirts on Saturday on the first month of Pride
'I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize.
'It's an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport and on the world stage and I promise to do better.'
Saturday's match was coach Emma Hayes' first in charge of the Americans.
According to Opta, the 4-0 win was the largest margin of victory in a permanent USWNT coach's first match since Tony DiCicco in 1995 vs. Australia.
Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson both notched braces in the friendly win, which took place in front of 19,010 fans at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
The USA will face South Korea again on Tuesday, June 4.
English (US)