Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was slammed by a conservative commentator for not singing the UK national anthem ahead of England vs Wales at the World Cup.
Rashford put on a show-stealing performance on Tuesday with a stunning second-half brace, including a sensational free-kick to break the deadlock for England.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate praised the 25-year-old United star for his performance after rediscovering his best form in an England shirt.
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Rashford’s brace and Phil Foden’s strike ensured that England finished top of Group B ahead of the USA, who defeated Iran 1-0 at the Al-Thumama Stadium on Tuesday.
However, right-wing political commentator Darren Grimes caused quite a stir on social media ahead of England’s final Group B fixture.
The former GB News presenter tweeted a clip of the England players singing ‘God Save the King’ and called out Rashford for not partaking.
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“Is Marcus Rashford too famous for the national anthem these days?” Grimes wrote.
Grimes was met with a wave of backlash from furious fans on social media, with Twitter users staunchly defending the England star from Grimes’ criticism.
One fan responded: “Oh, when was it made compulsory to sing the national anthem?”
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“It’s up to [Marcus Rashford] if he wants to sing the national anthem or not, his choice,” another fan posted.
Someone else tweeted: “I've seen loads of players from various countries not sing the anthems in all different sports. Stop clutching at straws.”
While a fourth wrote: “Where does it say that the players have to sing?”
And another Twitter user simply added: “Maybe he doesn’t believe in the monarchy. So what?”
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Grimes later ‘apologised’ to Rashford for not singing ‘God Save the King’ after the England international’s impressive second-half performance against Wales.
“Right. Fine. I’ll forgive you for not singing [God Save the King] now, Marcus,” he tweeted.
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England have secured their place in the knockout stages and will take on Group A runners-up Senegal on 4th December at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Topics: England, Wales, Football World Cup, Marcus Rashford, Football
Adnan Riaz