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American soccer legend Alexi Lalas has leapt to Korbin Albert’s defense amid outrage over her inclusion on the USWNT Olympic roster.
Albert, 20, has been controversially selected to represent USA at this summer’s Games in Paris despite sharing a number of anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media.
After those posts were unearthed, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was booed by fans of her national team when she was recently brought on as a substitute while wearing a rainbow-themed jersey.
The LGBTQ+ community were quick to hit out at her Olympic selection after Emma Hayes’ 18-player roster was confirmed this week, with one fan suggesting she should have been ‘forced to stay home and attend Pride rallies and counseling’ instead.
Lalas, however, has shown support for Korbert despite the fierce criticism that is coming her way.
Alexi Lalas has defended Korbin Albert amid outrage over her inclusion on the Olympic roster
Albert, 20, has been controversially selected to represent USA at this summer’s Games in Paris despite sharing a number of anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media
The former USMNT defender quoted a post about her selection on X and wrote: ‘Don’t let the turkeys get you down, Korbin. Congratulations and best of luck to you and all our #USWNT Olympians.
‘Make us proud, this summer and beyond.’
Albert has come under fire after previously reposting a video of a Christian worship space preaching against homosexuality and transsexuality.
In another TikTok post – which has since been deleted – she showed her family saying ‘their pronouns are USA,’ during the Fourth of July weekend.
Screengrabs indicated the youngster also ‘liked’ a post that appeared to celebrate Megan Rapinoe’s injury in the 2023 NWSL championship – her final ever game.
In the midst of the controversy, Albert issued an apology on social media back in March, saying: ‘I want to sincerely apologize 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 am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended.
Lalas has told the midfielder not to let the ‘turkeys’ bring her down after showing his support
Albert has received heavy criticism from the LGBTQ+ community over her online activity
She was booed by supporters after being introduced as a substitute while wearing a rainbow-themed jersey earlier this month
Albert posted an apology on social media shortly after the controversy arose back in March
‘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.’
The apology came in the aftermath of criticism from Rapinoe – who did not specifically name Albert in her Instagram story but is widely believed to have been indirectly referencing her.
The former USWNT captain wrote: ‘To the people who want to hide behind “my beliefs” I would just ask one question, are you making any time of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone? … because if you aren’t all you believe in is hate. And Kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up! Yours Truly, #15.’
