'Stupid' Christian Pulisic ripped by Tim Howard for Donald Trump dance celebration as USMNT star told to 'own it'

Pulisic was caught up in controversy when he recreated United States president-elect Trump's dance after his first goal in their CONCACAF Nations League match against Jamaica on Monday. The dance has become popular in the United States, with UFC champion Jon Jones performing it and handing over his heavyweight title belt to Trump in another high-profile case.

Pulisic explained that his celebration was not politically motivated and that he just did it for fun, but former USMNT and Manchester United star Howard has strongly criticised the 26-year-old.

"Here’s my personal view: doing a dance that mimics Donald Trump is stupid," he wrote in The Daily Mail. Why? Because, whether it's the president of the United States or my neighbor down the street, I would never back someone who I believe is racist. I wouldn't glorify that. I wouldn't do it for anything.

"If someone feels strongly the other way, no problem. But if you're going to make a political statement then be bold and brash enough to stand behind it. Don’t go quiet and don’t plead innocence like Christian Pulisic."

Addressing the player's explanation, Howard added: "I don’t buy that. Any show of support for Donald Trump is political. But Pulisic is not alone here, by the way."

The ex-goalkeeper took aim at all athletes performing the dance and denying their support of the president-elect, saying: "You cannot have it both ways. You're on one side of this or the other. If you are bold enough to publicly make a statement, I don’t have a problem with that. But own it."

After his heroics with the national team, Pulisic will aim to be among the goals again for AC Milan when they face Juventus in Serie A on Saturday.