Jeremy Corbyn supports US Women’s star Megan Rapinoe in spat with Trump after World Cup semi-final
Labour leader praised Rapinoe for ‘speaking out strongly against Donald Trump’s misogyny’ after the United States defeated England
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Your support makes all the difference.Jeremy Corbyn waded into the row that has erupted at the Women’s World Cup between United States star Megan Rapinoe and President Donald Trump, with the Labour leader throwing his support behind the female footballer despite the US defeating England in Tuesday night’s dramatic semi-final.
Rapinoe has faced both large levels of support and criticism for her feud with Trump, which started after she initially responded to a question about meeting the President if the US women’s team wins the World Cup this weekend by answering “I wouldn’t go to the f***ing White House”.
Trump responded by telling Rapinoe to concentrate on “finishing the job” and said that her response was disappointing, but the 33-year-old has been supported somewhat surprisingly by the leader of the Labour party.
"Good luck to USA and their co-captain Megan Rapinoe who has spoken out strongly against Donald Trump's misogyny,” Corbyn wrote on Twitter in the wake of the US’s 2-1 victory over the Lionesses.
He added on Phil Neville’s side that they "have shown exactly why women's sport deserves equal coverage, attention and investment."
Outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May hailed the England side for “inspiring millions” with their performances in France, which brought in a peak of 11.9m viewers on BBC One that made the match coverage the most-watched TV programme of 2019 so far.
"Commiserations to the Lionesses tonight," tweeted May. "Know that you have inspired millions with how you've played on the field as well as how you've conducted yourselves off it. We are very proud of you."
The match also spread into US politics, as former Democratic presidential candidate Hilary Clinton praised Jill Ellis’ side for their semi-final win, which will see the defending world champions take on either the Netherlands or Sweden in Sunday’s final.
"Congrats to the #USWNT for earning that tea," wrote Clinton, tagging a picture of match-winner Alex Morgan’s celebration that followed the second and crucial US goal. "On to the final!"
Other Democratic politicians echoed Clinton, which saw the World Cup journey used to reference gender pay in football and the huge differences between men and women.
"Beating England. Right before the Fourth of July. In the semi-final of the World Cup. Congratulations @USWNT. Can’t wait to see you play in the final!" tweeted the leading Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer.
"Congratulations to our @USWNT! I think they deserve a raise, don't you?" tweeted Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democratic presidential candidate and current senator, referencing the team's well-publicised fight for pay equity in sport.
The match dominated Twitter trending topics in the United States for long after its conclusion, with celebrities such as Dan Rather, Ellen DeGeneres and George Takei declaring their allegiance to the Stars and Stripes.
Billie Jean King, a 12-times Grand Slam singles title-winner who championed equal pay in tennis, also cheered the Americans. "Go get it, #USWNT!" wrote King. "Congratulations on another incredible performance!"
But on the other side of the Atlantic, the English football reflected on more semi-final heartbreak, just 12 months on from England men’s defeat in the last four of the World Cup.
Gary Lineker, who suffered semi-final defeat in the men's World Cup in 1990, posted: "Another semi-final loss for an English side in a World Cup, but heartbreaking as it is, Lionesses you did us proud. Well played."
Juventus forward Eni Aluko meanwhile asked whether Ellen White should have taken the penalty that Steph Houghton missed just minutes from the final whistle.
And former England captain Faye White noted that "once again it (was) the fine margins and big moments that count and make (the) difference."
Michael Owen, who reached the quarter-final stage with England at the men's World Cup in 2002, said that the team had "inspired a new generation of footballers."
Johanna Konta, who reached the second round of Wimbledon earlier in the day, posted that she was "so proud of the girls" while musician Billy Bragg thanked the Lionesses for "a night of great excitement and drama".
And even in the throes of defeat, the Lionesses Twitter account saw the bigger picture and encouraged others to do the same.
"To those who have recently fallen in love with our #Lionesses and to those who have been here since the beginning. Your support means the world. This thing that is happening, doesn't end here," the Lionesses account tweeted.
"Thank you x."
England will play either Holland or Sweden in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
Aditional reporting by PA and AP
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