Emma Hayes says she understands booing of USWNT player Korbin Albert

US women’s head coach Emma Hayes has said fans had the right to boo her team’s midfielder Korbin Albert at Wembley and she understands why they feel so strongly.

The Paris Saint-Germain player sparked controversy in March when she shared an anti-LGBTQ+ post on social media and it also emerged that she previously ‘liked’ a post in which she welcomed former American winger Megan Rapinoe’s injury incurred. The 21-year-old midfielder later apologized.

When Albert, who helped the US to Olympic gold this summer, came on as a second-half substitute in the goalless draw against England at Wembley, there were loud boos from the stands surrounding the 78,346 spectators. Certainly not everyone present cheered, but the sound was unmistakable.

When asked about this after the match, Hayes said: “Of course I understand the booing, everyone is entitled to their opinion about it without a doubt.”

The former Chelsea manager added that she had spoken to Albert about the subject, but also said she believed the player should address the issue himself. “My job is not to influence the debate,” Hayes said. “My job is [to be] a football coach and producing a football team, and Korbin as a player in it.

“As I always do, I sat down with her, I had several conversations in and around these things to make sure there is self-development. But there have been several opportunities for Korbin to be interviewed about this post-game, but people haven’t asked the questions, even at the Olympics.

“No one will enjoy that [booing] but you have to realize that there is a community that supports our team. We create an environment that is inclusive, respectful and tolerant – which I do – but I have no control over what happens outside our environment.

“I’m sure when the time comes for Korbin to be asked, she shouldn’t do it for me, but I really appreciate the fans doing that and they have a right to do that.”

The two captains, England’s Leah Williamson and America’s Lindsey Horan, wore rainbow bracelets as part of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, aimed at showing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.

In March, Albert, then 20, said on Instagram: “I would like 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 intention. I’m really disappointed in myself and [I] I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused 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 US team ever since.