The mother of American midfielder Giovanni Reyna says she denounced head coach Gregg Berhalter for kicking his wife when they were teenagers.

Danielle Reyna, wife of former United States captain Claudio, said she reported the incident to US Soccer on December 11.

She said it was « unfair » for « people to belittle » her son, 20, when Berhalter had done something « much worse » at a similar age.

Borussia Dortmund player Reyna didn’t start a game for the United States at the World Cup in Qatar.

During a speech at a leaders’ summit in early December, Berhalter said an unnamed player had not been fired from Qatar for « failing to live up to expectations on and off the pitch ».

Berhalter thought his comments would be kept private, but after they were mistakenly cleared for publication, Reyna posted on Instagram that the coach told her her role at the tournament would be « very limited » and that he would had let his « training and demeanor » affect.

He added that he apologized to his teammates and to Berhalter.

Berhalter said he was contacted during the World Cup by someone saying they were going to « take him down ».

In a statement on Wednesday, Danielle Reyna, who earned six caps for the United States Women’s National Team and was the roommate of Berhalter’s current wife, Rosalind, said she « made no threats in the report of the 1991 incident in sports American (Site notre bureau spécialisé). producer Earnie Stewart.

She said she contacted Stewart because she « was absolutely outraged and devastated that Gio had been put in such a terrible position » and felt « very personally betrayed » by someone her family « considered as a friend for decades.

She added: « I told Earnie that I thought it was particularly unfair that Gio, who had apologized for acting immature about his playing time, was still being dragged through the mud when Gregg had asked for and received forgiveness for doing something far worse at the same age. »

She also alleged that Berhalter’s statement, co-signed by Rosalind, « considered downplaying the abuse on the night in question. »

She added, “Rosalind Berhalter was my roommate, teammate and best friend, and I supported her through the trauma that followed.

« It took me a long time to forgive and accept Gregg afterwards, but I worked hard to give him the grace, and eventually made them and their children a big part of Gregg’s life. My family.

“I would have wanted and expected him to grant the same grace to Gio. This is why the current situation is so painful and difficult. »

In Berhalter’s statement, he said he kicked Rosalind in the legs during a « hot argument » after drinking.

He said Rosalind « didn’t want anything to do » with him immediately after the incident, but they met seven months later to rebuild their relationship.

They have been together ever since and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary over New Years weekend.

Danielle Reyna said she hoped reporting the incident to Stewart would help stop the attacks on her son.

She said: « At the time I called Earnie there were a lot of people bashing Gio on social media because of Gregg’s comments, and I didn’t know when or if that would stop.

“I just wanted Earnie to help me make sure there were no more unwarranted attacks on my son.

“I thought our conversation would be kept confidential, and it didn’t occur to me at the time that anything I might lead to an investigation. »

She added that she now understands that Stewart « had an obligation to investigate » but that she « did not ask for Gregg’s firing » and « did not make any threats » and that she « doesn’t know nothing of the attempts at singing”.

In a later statement, Claudio Reyna, who played with Berhalter on youth and high school teams as well as the America national team, said he stood by his wife and her statement.

He added: « I too was upset with Gregg’s comments about Gio after the United States withdrew from the World Cup, and I also called on Earnie Stewart on December 11 for him. request to prevent further comment.

“While in Qatar, I shared my frustrations over my son’s World Cup experience with a number of close friends, including Earnie and Brian McBride. However, at no time did I threaten anyone, and I never would. »

Berhalter’s contract expired on December 31 and his position is being evaluated.

US Soccer says assistant coach Anthony Hudson will take charge of a training camp in January.