Alexi Lalas backs U.S. Soccer anthem policy, thinks players should have to sing it too

U.S. Soccer revealed a new federation policy on Saturday that requires all players, coaches and anyone involved with a national team to "stand respectfully" during any national anthem. The new rule comes after Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the Star Spangled Banner last fall to protest racial oppression in the United States.

The federation's policy upset some fans and followers, who thought it flew in the face of the freedoms that the U.S. guarantees to its citizens. Others believe it is a wise move and that anyone representing the country should show it a particular kind of respect.

Former U.S. international and FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas sides with the latter, and he thinks the federation should go even further.

Players will only have to stand and, presumably, face the flag during the national anthem. The policy makes no mention of singing or placing one's hand over their heart. That is notable because Jozy Altidore, one of the men's team's stars, has said that while he loves the country and respects it, his religious beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness keep him from putting his hand over his heart.

The policy has gone into effect immediately and extends to all of the federation's teams. The debate around the anthem, and both what players should do and what the federation should dictate, is not going anywhere, but it's plenty clear with where Lalas stands. He wants to see plays standing, hand over heart, and singing. And he thinks that should all be required.