Socceroos icon and Australian of the Year’s public snub of King Charles’ invite sparks debate
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The world of sports and politics collided with a thunderous roar as Socceroos legend and former Australian of the Year Craig Foster made headlines with a bold public statement.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about respect for the monarchy and the push for an Australian republic.
Socceroos legend and former Australian of the Year Craig Foster publicly declined an invitation to an event attended by King Charles III.
Foster, a respected figure in Australian football and a vocal advocate for human rights, shared his decision on social media.
The invitation, extended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, would have seen Foster in the casual setting of a 'BBQ' with the monarch. However, Foster's response was anything but warm.
'Thanks, Anna and @ChrisMinnsMP, but no thanks,' Foster wrote on social media.
'I look forward to being “in the presence of” our first Aussie Head of State. When we put our big pants on, as a country.'
This public refusal has divided opinions among Australians.
Some see Foster's act as a bold statement supporting Australia's journey towards becoming a republic.
In contrast, others view it as a disrespectful gesture that undermines the current head of state's role and the work he champions.
‘Why the need to decline so publicly?’ Entertainment reporter Peter Ford said.
Former Victorian Labor MP Philip Dalidakis also criticised Foster's public declination.
‘What a self-indulgent little child you are, Craig Foster,’ Dalidakis said.
‘Firstly, to big note yourself by showing everyone you were invited to the State’s community reception for the King. Hopefully, they don’t make that mistake again.’
‘Secondly, to share the invite publicly and embarrass Chris Minns and Mrs Minns by refusing the invite.’
‘Thirdly, whatever you think of Charles and the monarchy, he is still deserving of respect for the work he does and the causes he champions. I, too, am an Australian Republic supporter and look forward to the day we have our own head of state, but until (then) try to show a little bit of class.’
‘Don’t see the need to go public with this, except for your own self-indulgence. Ordinary bloke,’ Tennis commentator Todd Scoullar wrote.
On the other hand, Foster's post, which garnered over 370,000 views, also received a wave of support from those who admire his stance on human rights and his advocacy for an Australian republic.
‘Thank you for speaking on behalf of most Australians. Why are we wasting tax on these parasites?’ one user wrote.
‘Stunning. Brave,’ another said.
‘Well said, Craig. A man of principle. It's nearly 250 years, and we're still tied to our colonial masters and an antiquated monarchy that is a relic of feudal times,’ a third added.
Foster, who replaced Peter FitzSimons as chair of the Australian Republic Movement in 2022 before stepping down in May, has been a prominent critic of the monarchy's place in Australia's system of government.
Foster's commitment to social justice is well-documented. He has campaigned tirelessly for refugee rights, ‘promotes anti-racism, allyship and what he calls ‘active multiculturalism’—communities protecting each other’, according to the NSW Government’s 2023 Australian of the Year announcement.
His advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his service to multiculturalism, human rights, and refugee support.
You may see Foster’s post below:
What do you think about Craig Foster's public refusal of the invitation? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about respect for the monarchy and the push for an Australian republic.
Socceroos legend and former Australian of the Year Craig Foster publicly declined an invitation to an event attended by King Charles III.
Foster, a respected figure in Australian football and a vocal advocate for human rights, shared his decision on social media.
Socceroos icon and Australian of the Year Craig Foster publicly snubbed King Charles’ invite. Credit: @craigfosterfootball / Instagram
The invitation, extended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, would have seen Foster in the casual setting of a 'BBQ' with the monarch. However, Foster's response was anything but warm.
'Thanks, Anna and @ChrisMinnsMP, but no thanks,' Foster wrote on social media.
'I look forward to being “in the presence of” our first Aussie Head of State. When we put our big pants on, as a country.'
This public refusal has divided opinions among Australians.
Some see Foster's act as a bold statement supporting Australia's journey towards becoming a republic.
In contrast, others view it as a disrespectful gesture that undermines the current head of state's role and the work he champions.
‘Why the need to decline so publicly?’ Entertainment reporter Peter Ford said.
Former Victorian Labor MP Philip Dalidakis also criticised Foster's public declination.
‘What a self-indulgent little child you are, Craig Foster,’ Dalidakis said.
‘Firstly, to big note yourself by showing everyone you were invited to the State’s community reception for the King. Hopefully, they don’t make that mistake again.’
‘Secondly, to share the invite publicly and embarrass Chris Minns and Mrs Minns by refusing the invite.’
‘Thirdly, whatever you think of Charles and the monarchy, he is still deserving of respect for the work he does and the causes he champions. I, too, am an Australian Republic supporter and look forward to the day we have our own head of state, but until (then) try to show a little bit of class.’
‘Don’t see the need to go public with this, except for your own self-indulgence. Ordinary bloke,’ Tennis commentator Todd Scoullar wrote.
On the other hand, Foster's post, which garnered over 370,000 views, also received a wave of support from those who admire his stance on human rights and his advocacy for an Australian republic.
‘Thank you for speaking on behalf of most Australians. Why are we wasting tax on these parasites?’ one user wrote.
‘Stunning. Brave,’ another said.
‘Well said, Craig. A man of principle. It's nearly 250 years, and we're still tied to our colonial masters and an antiquated monarchy that is a relic of feudal times,’ a third added.
Foster, who replaced Peter FitzSimons as chair of the Australian Republic Movement in 2022 before stepping down in May, has been a prominent critic of the monarchy's place in Australia's system of government.
Foster's commitment to social justice is well-documented. He has campaigned tirelessly for refugee rights, ‘promotes anti-racism, allyship and what he calls ‘active multiculturalism’—communities protecting each other’, according to the NSW Government’s 2023 Australian of the Year announcement.
His advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his service to multiculturalism, human rights, and refugee support.
You may see Foster’s post below:
