In a column in the Daily Mail, ex-USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard was highly critical of Christian Pulisic's celebration against Jamaica.
Tim Howard has lashed out at former international teammate Christian Pulisic, calling the USMNT star's actions “stupid” after he celebrated a goal by mimicking a dance made popular by newly elected US President Donald Trump.
Pulisic does 'Trump dance' after victory over Jamaica
After scoring in the USMNT's Nations League victory over Jamaica on Monday, Pulisic could be seen waving and waving his fists, echoing the viral dance moves Trump performed during the US election campaign.
Pulisic isn't the only high-profile American athlete to do the 'Trump dance' in recent times. Others, such as NFL player Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, and UFC fighter Jon “Bones” Jones, have also copied Trump's moves.
What did Tim Howard say about 'Trump dance'?
Howard wrote in a column for the Daily Mail today: “Here's my personal opinion: doing a dance that mimics Donald Trump is stupid. Why? Because whether it's the President of the United States or my neighbor down the street, I would never support someone who I believe is racist. I wouldn't glorify that. I wouldn't do it for anything.”
And Howard, who won 121 USMNT caps between 2002 and 2017, blasted Pulisic's claims that his celebration against Jamaica “wasn't a political dance” and was “just for fun”. “I don't believe that,” said the retired goalkeeper. “Any show of support for Donald Trump is political.”
'American football must bear some responsibility'
By celebrating the holiday in a way that onlookers may interpret as a show of support for a politician with a clear anti-diversity agenda, Howard adds, Pulisic is only undermining important inclusivity and equality initiatives promoted by his colleagues in the US women's soccer team.
“Pulisic gets a lot of criticism from football fans,” the 45-year-old said. “That's not surprising considering the USWNT has led the fight for equal pay, inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights. Players like Megan Rapinoe have gone to war with Trump. Now the USMNT's biggest star is doing his dance.
“American soccer must bear some of the responsibility for this. Yes, Pulisic is not a child. He is 26 and has been this country's valued asset for years. But given the political and social landscape of the past four years, organizations need to educate players. To remind them that their words and actions matter. To teach them that everything they do and everything they say must be well thought out.”
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