Mr Trump is currently trailing in the Electoral College and the popular vote, and with Mr Biden holding leads in four US states, could be declared the winner by major television networks and media outlets later today if he clinches Pennsylvania. However, Mr Trump has indicated he will not accept defeat, and has alleged voter fraud – without providing evidence. The acronym MAGA stands for Make America Great Again, which was Mr Trump’s slogan four years ago.
There is no indication as of yet as to who has paid for the banner.
Despite the banner’s claims, Mr Trump’s prospects of victory appear to be remote, given the uphill task he would face to win a second term in the White House.
He has ordered his lawyers to launch a series of legal challenges, but with Mr Biden’s lead growing in Pennsylvania every time a new batch of counted ballots is released, it may only be a matter of time before he is declared the winner.
Speaking to Express.co.uk yesterday, Mr Trump’s former National Security Adviser John Bolton told Express.co.uk suggested such was the billionaire’s antipathy to defeat, he would probably have to be persuaded to leave the White House by relative.
He added: “This is Donald Trump we are talking about, he is not going to go graciously.”
Precisely why the match was chosen for the bizarre stunt is unclear, especially given Mr Trump has shown little interest in football over the years.
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Having said that, former Liverpool striker Ian St John recalled an unusual episode in 1994 when he and Jimmy Greaves – collectively known as Saint and Greavsie – persuaded the billionaire to draw the numbers for the Rumbelows Cup.
St John later said of the President: “He had no idea about football and certainly no idea what Rumbelows was.”
Prior to today’s game, players from both sides held a minute’s silence in advance of Remembrance Sunday yesterday, with no fans at the stadium as a result of ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
The home side did not appear to be particularly distracted by the banner, and took the lead after 19 minutes thanks to midfielder Bernard.
Bruno Fernandes equalised six minutes later.
(More to follow)
