Hope Solo ban: Were US Soccer right to hand goalkeeper six-month suspension?

Banned: USA goalkeeper Hope Solo

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Standard Sport25 August 2016

Hope Solo has been handed a six-month ban by US Soccer after labelling Sweden 'a bunch of cowards' following her side's Rio 2016 quarter-final exit.

The 35-year-old hit out after Sweden - eventual silver medal winners in Rio - beat the USA 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the last-eight encounter on August 12.

"I thought we played a courageous game. I thought we had many opportunities on goal," said Solo, who has made 202 appearances for the USA.

"I think we showed a lot of heart. We came back from a goal down, I'm very proud of this team. And I also think we played a bunch of cowards.

"The best team did not win today, I strongly, firmly believe that."

A statement from the federation on Wednesday evening read: "US Soccer has suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo from the US women's national team for six months for conduct that is counter to the organisation's principles."

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