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.
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.
“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?”
“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?”
READ MORE:
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.
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.
Adnan Riaz