MLS coach Bruce Arena says national anthem shouldn't play before games

"I think it puts people in awkward positions. We don't use the national anthem in movie theaters, on Broadway, for other events in the United States," Arena said. "I don't think it is appropriate to have a national anthem before a baseball game or an MLS game. But having said that, I want it understood that I am very patriotic, but I think it is inappropriate. And today, it's becoming too big of an issue."

Arena continued: "Think about it. In Major League Soccer, most of the players that are standing on the field during the national anthem are international players. They are not even Americans. So why are we playing the national anthem? With all due respect, I live in the greatest country in the world, but I think it is inappropriate."

Last week, United States Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone apologized for a recently repealed rule that threatened to ban players who refused to respectfully stand during the anthem ahead of national team matches.

United States Women's National Team star Megan Rapinoe dropped to a knee to protest police violence and racial injustices ahead of a match in 2016. 

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made that demonstration famous during the 2016 NFL season, but he hasn't played in the league since January 2017. 

Also last week, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach suggested the IOC may be open to anthem protests and other similar demonstrations by the time the Summer Olympics begin in July 2021.