Only one USWNT player did not kneel ahead of Olympic football game

Only one member of the United States Women’s National Team did not kneel ahead of Thursday’s game against Australia while the rest of her teammates knelt in a symbolic protest against racism and discrimination.

Star forward Carli Lloyd, 39, stood with his hands on his hips ahead of the bronze game as the rest of the USWNT’s ten starters, as well as team coaches and staff, s kneeling on the grass at Kashima Stadium, photos show.

Two referees were also seen kneeling as the Matildas opted to stand side by side and tie their arms.

Players kneeling in front of Olympic competitions have been common since the start of the Games, after the International Olympic Committee relaxed its rules on athlete demonstrations.

American women stood up during the national anthem before games, only kneeling afterwards, Business Insider said.

The IOC said Olympians would not be penalized for expressing their views as long as they are not disruptive, target specific people or countries, and take place during meddling ceremonies.

Prior to previous scrimmages earlier this year and into 2020, the USWNT knelt down during the national anthem, but Lloyd never joined in and instead got his hands on his heart, Insider reported.

In February, a few players, including Lloyd, decided to stand during the anthem while others knelt down and said they believed it was possible to propel the anti-racist movement without kneeling, a reported the Orlando Sentinel.