US national football player ‘drops out of game’ over Pride jerseys
A player on the US women’s national soccer team allegedly dropped out of a game to avoid wearing a rainbow Pride jersey.
The national team had announced that in recognition of Pride Month, a special kit with rainbows would be worn.
The Women’s National Team had announced it would wear the kits in away friendlies against Sweden on June 8, and Norway three days later.
Following the decision, one evangelical Christian player dropped out of the friendlies for “personal reasons”.
Jaelene Hinkle, a defender who plays for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League, had been set to play for the national team in the match prior to her withdrawal.
She has not publicly commented to confirm the reason for dropping out, with an official statement only confirming she would not take part due to “personal reasons”.
However, OutSports suggests she was unhappy with the Pride jerseys.
The player previously made her views on LGBT rights public.
On the day same-sex marriage became law, she tweeted: “This world is falling farther and farther away from God… All that can be done by believers is to continue to pray.”
The player also posted a message altering an equal marriage symbol into a cross.
The post referenced the rainbow and the slogan “love wins”.
She wrote: “The rainbow was a convent made between God and all his creation that never again would the world be flooded as it was when He destroyed the world during Noah’s time. It’s a constant reminder that no matter how corrupt this world becomes, He will never leave us or forsake us.
“Love won over 2,000 years ago when the greatest sacrifice of all time was made for ALL mankind.”
She also wrote: “I believe with every fiber in my body that what was written 2,000 years ago in the Bible is undoubtedly true. It’s not a fictional book.
“It’s not a pick and choose what you want to believe. You either believe it, or you don’t. This world may change, but Christ and His Word NEVER will.”
There are many out players in women’s football, though there are barely any in the men’s sport.
Liam Davis, the first out footballer to play at Wembley, last month said there are lots of gay footballers who have not come out, and hoped his example would give them the courage to leave the closet.
UK Football Association boss Greg Clarke recently said men’s football is two decades behind women’s game when it comes to LGBT inclusion.
