US men’s hockey star issues 'apology' over reaction to Trump’s ‘sexist’ joke after teammate defended it

A member of the US men's hockey team has admitted they 'should have reacted differently' to Donald Trump's controversial comments about the women's team.

For those who missed it, the Milano Cortino Winter Olympics saw both the men's and women's US hockey teams take home gold medals after beating rivals Canada 2-1 in their respective matches.

However, away from the action on the ice, controversy has arisen over a phone call that took place between the US President and the men's team, following their victory.

Footage emerged of the group speaking to the Republican leader over the phone while they celebrated in their locker room, and viewers picked up on a 'sexist' comment that Trump made about the women's team.

Trump offered to fly the men out to Washington for the State of the Union address, but controversially joked that he 'had' to invite the women too.

"We’re giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I could send a military plane or something, if you would like to. It’s the coolest night. It’s the biggest speech," he said over speakerphone to cheers and laughter, before adding: "And we have to - I must tell you - we’re going to have to bring the women’s team."

Another member of the US men's hockey team, goalie Jeremy Swayman, has spoken out (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Understandably, the world leader's 'misogynistic' remark has caused outrage on social media, as has the men's reaction.

Amid all of the opinions swirling around, when asked about it on Wednesday (25 February), goalie Jeremy Swayman said he has 'so much respect for the women's team' and admitted the team's error.

In a video shared by the New England Hockey Journal's Evan Marinofsky, a journalist asked: "Jeremy, there was some reaction to the post-game video. What is your reaction to that?"

The sportsman responded with: "Yep, should have reacted differently. We know that. We're so excited for the women's team. We have so much respect for the women's team, and to share that gold medal with them is something that we'll be forever grateful for."

He added: "You know, now that we're home,ome we get to share that together forever and see the incredible support that we have from the USA, sharing this incredible gold medal."

It comes after Team USA member Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal, also spoke out following the online backlash, defending what went down.

The 24-year-old Olympian told the Daily Mail: "They've got busy schedules, too. Everyone is giving us backlash for all the social media stuff today.

It comes after fellow team member Jack Hughes also spoke out on the matter (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

"People are so negative out there, and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing. Our relationship with them, over the course of being in the Athletes' Village, I think we are so tight with their group."

He added: "After we won the gold medal, we were in the cafeteria at 3.30 am in the morning with them, and we go from there, pack our bags, and we're on the bus.

"People are so negative about things. I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them and we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us."

When asked whether they were excited to meet Trump, Hughes reportedly added: "Yeah, we're excited. Everything is so political. We're athletes.

"We're so proud to represent the US, and when you get the chance to go to White House and meet the President, we're proud to be Americans, and that's so patriotic.

"No matter what your views are, we're super excited to go to the White House tomorrow and be a part of that."