Maybe someone should have reminded Hope Solo that the Zika virus is no laughing matter.
A large number of fans booed Solo throughout the United States’ 2-0 win over New Zealand on Wednesday in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Apparently, they didn’t miss controversial comments Solo made in late July on social media about Zika.
Not sharing this!!! Get your own! #zikaproof #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/y3d8hnuEjk
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 22, 2016
If anyone in the village forgets to pack repellent, come and see me…#DeptOfDefense #zikaproof pic.twitter.com/x8RdUV6M7c
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 22, 2016
So they chose Team USA’s Olympic opener at the Estadio Mineirao as the venue to deliver some payback. They punctuated their boos with a cry of “Zika!” whenever Solo kicked the ball late in the game.
https://twitter.com/uaiteve/status/760986493716422656
NBC Sports’ Sebastian Salazar asked Solo about the chant immediately after the game. Solo answered diplomatically.
Just spoke to Hope Solo about being booed by fans at #USAvNZL. Says she'd rather it be loud than quiet (paraphrasing). #USWNT #NWSL #Rio2016
— Sebastian Salazar (@SebiSalazarFUT) August 4, 2016
And that is why we don’t make fun over health crises at home or abroad (as if that even needed mentioning).
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Thumbnail photo via John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Images