Coach sacked for 'trying to trip rival cheerleader'

A coach of a US high school cheerleading squad has been fired after being filmed allegedly trying to trip a cheerleader from the opposing side during her routine.

As the Tennessee cheerleader comes backflipping down the basketball court, Grundy County High School coach Teresa Fann can be seen deliberately moving towards her and sticking her leg out.

She fails to make contact, with the unnamed girl finishing her routine, seemingly oblivious to the sabotage attempt.

The incident has now cost Ms Fann her job as coach.

But many parents have come to the defence of Ms Fann, Local TV network WRCB reports, including Tim Dean, the father of the girl who almost got taken out.

"I don’t think she did anything wrong, and I was there.  If I thought my daughter was being mistreated, I’d have been out there in a heartbeat," he said.

"My daughter was not hurt in any way, and she has no hard feelings against Teresa."

Ms Fann's daughter Amanda says her mother, a two-time national cheerleading championship coach, is devastated.

"It is something she loves doing. She has made such a difference in our lives. It is insane how girls come to her and say you changed me, you affected my life, you made me a better person."

A petition has been started to reinstate Ms Fann.