Australian soccer fans' anti-Donald Trump chant could spark World Cup controversy
Australian soccer fans have made their feelings on President Donald Trump abundantly clear ahead of their FIFA World Cup game against the U.S. Men's National Team.The World Cup has a substantial Trump-sized cloud looming over the tournament as it takes place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He is scheduled to assume an unusually prominent role in the trophy presentation at next month's final in New York/New Jersey.AdvertisementWhile USMNT legend Tim Howard rejected the notion that Trump could disrupt the World Cup, his influence on the competition is evident. Ahead of Australia's encounter with the USMNT in a crucial Group D matchup, worries are surfacing that the visiting supporters could ridicule the president yet again, as per The Mirror US.Australia is set to take on the U.S. Men's National Team in Seattle on Friday -Credit:Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesLast week, when Australia secured an impressive 2-0 win over Turkiye thanks to goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, their fans went viral for their anti-Trump chants during gatherings and excursions. In footage posted to social media, hundreds of Australian supporters in green and gold are heard singing: "Aussie boys are on a bender, Donald Trump is a s-- offender."The chant spotlights Trump's alleged connections to trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, which are back under scrutiny. Recent releases of the Epstein files from the U.S. Justice Department reveal multiple mentions of Trump, including flight records indicating he traveled on Epstein's private aircraft in the 1990s.AdvertisementTrump has not been charged with any Epstein-related crimes and has denied any involvement with his criminal activity.Given that the USMNT secured a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, Friday's encounter between the two nations at Lumen Field in Seattle will play a significant role in determining the group winner. It remains to be seen whether the Australian supporters will continue bringing the chant into the venue.To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HEREWhile Australia is a close U.S. ally, Trump remains deeply divisive across the globe. He is naturally a representation of the nation, and an easy target for opposing supporters - particularly at a sporting event like the World Cup, where trash talk is so common.AdvertisementTrump also previously had a very public dispute with then-Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The 80-year-old maintains a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and their bond could prompt the organization to crack down on any supporters who sing the chant at Seattle Stadium.According to World Cup regulations, offensive and political chanting in stadiums is prohibited. FIFA also maintains a separate three-step protocol that permits referees to halt or even abandon matches when racist or homophobic slurs don't cease.This chant is neither racist nor homophobic, though, so it's uncertain whether such measures can be implemented in this case.Australia faces the USMNT on Friday, June 19, in Seattle.
