Jeff Kassoff Feb 17, 2023, 03:01 pm Read: 4 min.
United States players show their support for Canadian soccer players who are fighting for equal treatment in their union.
Orlando, Fl. – K players America why Canada stood in solidarity for gender equality and transgender rights on Thursday before their opening game of ‘She Believes’ Cup at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
Players on each team wore a purple ribbon on one wrist and a white ribbon with the inscription on the other wrist to represent gender equality. “Defend Trans Joy” (Defend Trans Happiness) ahead of the Americans’ 2–0 victory over Canada.
The equality exhibition comes in response to an ongoing struggle by Canadian players with their union to receive equal treatment to the men’s team. players of Canada they say they are playing ‘She Believes’ Cup After initially attempting to strike before last week in protest Canadian Soccer Association Threatened them with legal action.
In a statement released by the Canadiens before Thursday’s game, they said they would “continue to wear purple until our association has rules in place ensuring equal treatment and opportunity.”
players of Canada They entered the field for the game wearing purple jerseys emblazoned with “Enough is Enough” before the two teams met in the center circle in a show of unity.
Canadian players protested by wearing purple jerseys before the game against the USA. Getty Images
after the game, the coach Canada, Bev PriestmanSaid he supported his players, but that friction with his employer – Canada Soccer – put him in a difficult position.
“I think obviously as a coach I’m in a tough position, but I think purple represents equality,” Priestman said after the loss. “And you asked me, I believe in equality. I have to work with this group and make them feel like they are prepared enough for this.” world Cup, And you know, I’m with my players, but obviously, you know, I work for the union. Canada Who have also supported me in my journey.
“So yeah, it’s a tough situation, but what I will say is that I absolutely believe in equality. I believe that anybody should have the same opportunities as anybody else. But it’s a powerful moment.” Was.”
The players said earlier this week they wanted more staff and the same resources as the men’s team Qatar World CupPlus any delayed payments due from 2022.
The American players offered their verbal support before the game and said they would join their Canadian counterparts, many of whom are their teammates at club level.
players on thursday EE. you you. attended a public exhibition ahead of the eighth edition of copa she believesA US-based tournament named to highlight gender equality.
“Although we are now on the other side of this battle and can focus on our game on the field, the players Canada The women’s players’ union said, and are facing the same widespread misogyny and unequal treatment we are facing elsewhere. USWNT This is a statement.
“We support all footballers in their collective fight, but we also call on everyone to unite and support the fight to eradicate all the inequalities and discrimination that exist in our sport.”
players of America He achieved equal pay with the men’s team in 2022 when each team signed a separate new CBA. The American players and the US Soccer Federation also agreed to a $24 million settlement last year to end a six-year equal pay lawsuit.
Message “Protect Trans Joy” What appeared on other players’ wrists Thursday was a response to the recently passed anti-transgender law in Florida.
Last year, Florida passed a bill called “Don’t Say Gay,” which bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade. Transgender children in the state are also barred from receiving hormones or undergoing surgery to treat gender dysphoria.
Quinn, Canadian midfielder, identifies as transgender and non-binary. Several Canadian and American sportspeople have previously spoken out in support of transgender rights.
Alex Morgan Recently said that “the team definitely needs sports” in states with discriminatory laws.
“For this team, we’ve always been very vocal about our position and I think we’ll continue to do that,” Morgan said last week.
“But given these games in Florida and Texas respectively, we will have to continue to move forward as well as have internal discussions with the team as we are not going to shy away from difficult conversations.”
captain and keeper of United States, Becky Sauerbrunnrecently wrote an opinion column criticizing Missouri leaders for considering legislation banning transgender girls from participating in women’s sports.
