US Republican nomination race: Donald Trump labels American football 'soft' and 'boring'

Republican hopeful claims the supposed malaise affecting the sport mirrors the decline of the United States

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (AP)

Donald Trump, currently leading the race to become the Republican candidate for US President, has attacked one of the country’s national sports.

The billionaire business mogul claimed American football was “soft” – despite growing concern and medical evidence about head injuries in the game.

Addressing a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada, Mr Trump claimed the supposed malaise affecting the sport mirrored the alleged decline of the United States, according to a report in the Huffington Post.

“It’s boring … it’s become soft, like our country has become soft,” he said.

“We’re going bad, folks, we’re going soft, just like the NFL [National Football League]. Am I right?”

He said he had watched one game where referees had given too many fouls, which they indicate by throwing penalty flags onto the field.

“I watched yesterday, so many flags!” he exclaimed.

His audience seemed to warm to his message that football was not as tough as it used to be, with his comments met by cheers.