Soccer fans booed, United States’ President Donald Trump at the World Cup final just seconds after the national anthem ended.
Argentina and Spain supporters set aside their rivalry to unite in booing Donald Trump when the US President appeared on the big screen at the World Cup final.
Trump’s attendance at the final had been anticipated for some time. Federal agents, local law enforcement, and private security firms have reportedly been coordinating Sunday’s security operation for approximately two years, preparing for the president’s expected appearance at the tournament’s showpiece occasion.
Nevertheless, technical difficulties meant numerous spectators and members of the press faced delays entering MetLife Stadium as measures were put in place following Trump’s decision to attend. This, combined with his broadly unpopular standing after choosing to intervene in Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, resulted in a largely negative reception.
Shortly before kick-off, just seconds after the national anthem concluded, Trump appeared on the giant screens inside MetLife Stadium. The cheers that had accompanied the anthem swiftly gave way to boos, whistles, and jeers directed at the president, who had arrived via Marine One helicopter and made a dramatic flyover of MetLife Stadium before the match got under way.
Trump had been keen to avoid a repeat of his widely shared New York Knicks moment, while security personnel left absolutely nothing to chance. F-16 fighter jets, military marksmen, and thousands of FBI agents were deployed to safeguard MetLife Stadium and the surrounding airspace.
Following the match and the crowning of either Spain or Argentina as champions, Trump was billed to present the iconic World Cup trophy to the victorious captain, alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The 80-year-old participated in the festivities when Chelsea lifted the trophy after their Club World Cup final triumph last summer against Paris Saint-Germain. Trump and Infantino have developed an exceptionally close bond.
Ahead of the World Cup final, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the extent of the security arrangements. She portrayed Trump’s attendance as the crowning moment of the tournament’s achievements.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure and most successful World Cup in American history,” Leavitt said.
