Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US Republican nomination race: Donald Trump labels American football 'soft' and 'boring'

Republican hopeful claims the supposed malaise affecting the sport mirrors the decline of the United States

Ian Johnston
Monday 11 January 2016 01:09 GMT
Comments
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump, currently leading the race to become the Republican candidate for US President, has attacked one of the country’s national sports.

The billionaire business mogul claimed American football was “soft” – despite growing concern and medical evidence about head injuries in the game.

Addressing a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada, Mr Trump claimed the supposed malaise affecting the sport mirrored the alleged decline of the United States, according to a report in the Huffington Post.

“It’s boring … it’s become soft, like our country has become soft,” he said.

“We’re going bad, folks, we’re going soft, just like the NFL [National Football League]. Am I right?”

He said he had watched one game where referees had given too many fouls, which they indicate by throwing penalty flags onto the field.

“I watched yesterday, so many flags!” he exclaimed.

His audience seemed to warm to his message that football was not as tough as it used to be, with his comments met by cheers.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in