USWNT star Korbin Albert was booed by fans on Saturday when she was introduced against South Korea wearing a rainbow-themed jersey.
Albert, 20, publicly apologized in March for reposting a now-deleted video of a Christian worship service in which he preached against homosexuality and “feeling transgender.”
And on Saturday – the first day of Pride month in the US – she was jeered by fans as she took the field in Colorado during her team’s eventual 4-0 win.
Albert, like the rest of her teammates, wore a Pride-themed shirt with rainbow-colored numbers.
The midfielder was also booed by fans in April when she was introduced by Japan in the SheBelieves Cup.
And it wasn’t just supporters who were angry with her then, as USWNT veterans Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan publicly addressed Albert’s social media activity.
“We are extremely saddened that the standard was not upheld,” Horan said. “Our fans and supporters feel like this is a team they can get behind. It is so important that they continue to feel undeniably heard and seen.’
“We support maintaining a safe and respectful space, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Morgan added. “This platform has given us the opportunity to highlight causes that are important to us, something we never take for granted.”
On March 28, after intense public backlash, Albert publicly apologized and promised to “do better.”
“I am truly disappointed in myself and deeply sorry for the pain I have caused my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended,” she wrote.
Albert, who played against South Korea on Saturday (left), was a controversial figure
The USWNT wore rainbow-themed shirts during the first month of Pride on Saturday
‘I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions did not live up to that and for that I sincerely apologize.
“It is an honor and a privilege to play this sport and on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
Saturday’s game marked the first time coach Emma Hayes was in charge of the Americans.
According to Optathe 4–0 win was the largest margin of victory in the first match of a permanent USWNT coach since Tony DiCicco against Australia in 1995.
Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson both had a brace in the friendly victory, which took place in front of 19,010 fans at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
The US faces South Korea again on Tuesday, June 4.