USA star Alex Morgan says 'tea' celebration criticism reveals sexist double standard

Morgan's 'tea-drinking' against England was labelled 'distasteful'

Alex Morgan has responded to criticism of her ‘tea’ celebration against England at the Women’s World Cup, claiming that women’s footballers are victims of a sexist double standard.

Morgan celebrated her decisive goal for the United States in Tuesday’s semi-final by pretending to drink a cup of tea, which was interpreted by some as slight on her opponents.

Lianne Sanderson, an England international and former team-mate of Morgan’s at Orlando Pride, described the celebration as “distasteful”.

The 30-year-old denied that it was a reference to the English on Friday, explaining it was instead a reference to the phrase ‘that’s the tea’.

‘Tea’ is often used as a slang term for gossip and Morgan is a fan of actor Sophie Turner, who uses the phrase to sign off her Instagram stories.

The US international, who is in the running to win the Golden Boot at this World Cup, added that men’s players would rarely be criticised for their celebrations in the same way.

“I feel that there is some sort of double standard for females in sports, to feel like we have to be humble in our successes and have to celebrate but not too much, do something but it always has to be in a limited fashion,” she said.

“You see men celebrating all over the world in big tournaments, grabbing their sacks or whatever it is.

“And when I look at sipping a cup of tea, I am a little taken aback. You have to laugh about it, to see all the criticism.”

It is not the first time that celebrations of the US players have come under scrutiny at this World Cup.

In their opening game, a record-breaking 13-0 win over Thailand, Morgan and her team-mates were criticised for celebrating every goal.