Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel have been forced to defend their signing of USMNT international John Tolkin following criticism of his social media activity. The 22-year-old wing-back — a club-record transfer from Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls — has faced criticism for his activity online relating to a variety of topics including gender identity and conspiracies around the COVID pandemic.

United States national team defender John Tolkin said he has regrets over his past activity on social media after joining Holstein Kiel in Germany.

Holstein Kiel's record transfer John Tolkin has apologised for his social media activities after he was criticised for liking posts related to gender identity, the COVID-19 pandemic and conspiracy theories,