The USA women’s head coach, Emma Hayes, has said fans were entitled to boo her team’s midfielder Korbin Albert at Wembley and she understands why they feel so strongly.
The Paris Saint-Germain player caused controversy in March when she shared an anti-LGBTQ+ post on social media and it also emerged that she had previously “liked” a post that rejoiced at the former USA winger Megan Rapinoe sustaining an injury. The 21-year-old midfielder later issued an apology.
When Albert, who helped the USA to win Olympic gold this summer, came on at Wembley as a second-half substitute in the goalless draw with England, a loud chorus of boos from the stands rang around the crowd of 78,346. Certainly not all those present were booing, but the sound was unmistakable.
Asked about this after the match, Hayes said: “Of course I understand the booing, everybody is entitled to their opinions on it, without doubt.”
The former Chelsea manager added that she had spoken to Albert about the subject but also said that she felt the issue was one for the player to address herself. “My job is not to weigh in on the debate,” Hayes said. “My job is [to be] a football coach and to produce a football team, and Korbin being a player within that.
“Like I always do, I’ve sat down with her, I’ve had several conversations in and around these things to make sure that self-development is there. But there have been several opportunities for Korbin to be interviewed about this post-game but people have not asked the questions, even at the Olympics.
“No one is going to enjoy that [booing] but you have to appreciate there is a community that support our team. We create an environment that’s inclusive, respectful and tolerant – which I do do – but I cannot control what happens outside our environment.
“I’m sure when the moment comes and Korbin is asked about it that’s for her to address not for me, but I totally appreciate the fans doing that and they’re entitled to.”
The two captains, England’s Leah Williamson and the USA’s Lindsey Horan, wore rainbow armbands as part of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, aimed at showing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
In March, Albert, who was then aged 20, said on Instagram: “I want to sincerely apologise for my actions on social media. Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent. I’m really disappointed in myself and [I] am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended.”
Albert made her senior international debut in December 2023 and has been a regular member of the USA team since.
