Featured Image Credit: Anadolu/Getty
Topics: Donald Trump, Football, Sport
Callum Jones
Many people on the internet are losing it over the way Donald Trump conducted himself at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday (July 13).
You just know when the 47th POTUS makes any kind of public appearance, there's bound to be some talking points.
Trump was in attendance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-German 3-0 in a dominant display from the English side.
A double from talisman Cole Palmer, plus a goal from new signing Joao Pedro saw the Blues race into a 3-0 first half lead, while a straight red for PSG's João Neves in the second half only piled more misery on the French side.
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So it was Chelsea who lifted the Club World Cup. Trump, who according to the Guardian found himself booed when he appeared on video boards during the match, presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
But as Infantino removed himself from shot before James lifted the trophy, Trump stayed in position and the Chelsea players were forced to celebrate around the president.
USA Today even reports that once Palmer realised Trump wasn't leaving the stage, he asked James: “Wait, wait, what’s he doing?"
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The outlet states James then asked Trump, “Are you going to leave?” but the president didn't appear to respond.
Speaking after the match, Palmer said: "I knew he was going to be there, but I didn't know he was going be on the stand where we lift the trophy. So, I was a bit confused."
The whole interaction has people cringing online, with one person penning on Reddit: "This is like watching a child at another kid's birthday party trying to blow out the candles because they’re selfish and haven’t learned the day isn’t about them. This is who millions voted for. I’ll never understand it."
A second added: "Absolutely embarrassing," while a third remarked: "The best part is watching the other guy trying to get Trump off the stage. He tries like 5 different times lol."
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Many of the Chelsea players, including James and Palmer, looked utterly bewildered that Trump hadn't followed usual protocol and left the stage to allow the celebrations to commence.
Trump spoke to DAZN following the Club World Cup with him saying: "It’s a big thing [competition], Gianni’s a friend of mine. But it’s great to watch.
"This is a little bit of an upset we’re watching today. [FIFA has done] fantastically well, it’s a growing sport, it’s a great sport."
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Alongside Mexico and Canada, the US is set to host the FIFA World Cup next summer, with many wondering whether Trump will join in on the celebrations with whatever country lifts the trophy this time next year.
Speaking earlier this year about the competition, Vice President JD Vance said: "I'm proud to be the vice chair of this for a couple of reasons.
"First of all, the last time the president had me round the national or international sports trophy was the College Football Playoff National Championship, and I almost broke it, and so I appreciate the president giving me a second chance here.
"But of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event. I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries.
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"We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game."