Hope Solo handed six-month ban by USA Soccer for calling Sweden team a ‘bunch of cowards’ after Rio Olympics loss
'Saddened' keeper's incendiary comments came after America were knocked out of Olympics by the Scandinavians
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HOPE SOLO has been given a six-month ban after calling the Sweden team a "bunch of cowards".
The United States goalkeeper's fiery comments came after her side crashed out of the Olympics to the Scandinavians.
Solo's side were beaten 4-3 on penalties in the Rio quarter-final after finishing normal time at 1-1, with the Swedes going on to claim silver.
And the 35-year-old said at the time: "We played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly, firmly believe that."
Solo admitted she was "saddened" at the decision of team bosses to suspend her.
She said: "For 17 years, I dedicated my life to the US women's national team and did the job of a pro athlete the only way I knew how - with passion, tenacity, an unrelenting commitment to be the best goalkeeper in the world, not just for my country, but to elevate the sport for the next generation of female athletes.
"In those commitments, I have never wavered. And with so much more to give, I am saddened by the federation's decision to terminate my contract."
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A statement from the federation said: "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."
US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the remarks by Solo, who was previously handed a 30-day suspension by the national federation in January 2015 for a "poor decision" during a training camp, were "unacceptable".
He said: "The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our national-team players."