The notion that Australia lacks multicultural roots is “utter nonsense,” Socceroo Awer Mabil stated, responding to Pauline Hanson’s assertion that the national squad reflects her ideal of a monocultural nation.
Mabil touched down in Australia on Monday after participating in the Socceroos’ 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Egypt in the World Cup round of 32.
When journalists asked him about claims that Australia was not a genuinely multicultural country, Mabil responded that it was “just complete rubbish.”
Even though the team had been dragged into political debate, the Socceroos remained focused, he noted.
“We understand who we stand for. We stand for Australia on the world stage, and Australia … is the greatest nation on earth, so this is a moment for everyone to celebrate that,” he said.
“Anyone attempting to sow division, in my view with all due respect, probably doesn’t truly embody what it means to be Australian. Because Australia embraces everyone, and that’s exactly what the Socceroos demonstrate.”
Having been born in a Kenyan refugee camp to parents from South Sudan, the winger relocated to Australia as a youngster and later gained Australian citizenship.
Mabil received the 2023 Young Australian of the Year award for his philanthropic efforts focused on delivering health and education support to refugee populations.
Earlier in the campaign, the Socceroos issued a video message celebrating their varied cultural origins and immigrant backgrounds.
“The Socceroos are more than just a football team; we mirror what contemporary Australia looks like,” said experienced midfielder Jackson Irvine.
After telling the National Press Club in June that multiculturalism had fallen short in Australia, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson pointed to the Socceroos as a case where people from different heritages successfully rally behind one flag.
“The Socceroos actually illustrate my vision of a … monocultural Australia,” Senator Hanson remarked.
Inside the Socceroos setup, multiculturalism was regarded as a strength, Mabil explained.
“You don’t get to choose your birthplace or your skin colour; you do get to choose to be a decent human being. That’s entirely up to you,” he said.
“Some individuals decide to push back against decency, and that’s their own burden to carry. In doing so, they’re losing out on what others have to offer. That’s the gift of multiculturalism—it presents a range of perspectives rather than just a single viewpoint.”
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