- Latrell Mitchell is making waves because of the national anthem
- Says the song should be changed to include indigenous people
- Shared post that read ‘It’s hard to sing without a voice’
Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has defended players who did not sing the national anthem after several footy stars remained silent ahead of Australia’s match against Samoa on Saturday.
Payne Haas, Kotoni Stagg, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo did not sing the national anthem before the Pacific Championship Test in Townsville.
Footage of the quartet not singing angered former ARL chairman Ken Arthurson, who said the players needed to show more “respect”, while media figure Peter Peters said: “I’m tired of seeing players zipping their mouths shut while anthem.’
Rugby legend Max Krilich called for Kangaroos players to be dropped if they do not want to sing Advance Australia Fair before matches.
“It embarrasses me when they stand there like stunned mullets during the national anthem.
Latrell Mitchell has defended players who don’t sing the national anthem, arguing that a song should be created that ‘includes Indigenous people’
Several players were criticized on Saturday for standing still during the national anthem
‘It’s about showing respect for our country’s national anthem. It’s one-in, all-in, so if you don’t want to sing the song, you’re out.’
On Tuesday, Mitchell took to social media to condemn Krilich’s assessment of the situation.
“One in all, he says?” Mitchell wrote on his Instagram Story.
“Well, make a song that includes native people.
‘Maybe change the date (of Australia Day)? Or do I not even know a voice to be heard?’
Mitchell also shared a post from The Tribal Tribune with the headline “Hard to sing without a voice.” The post showed an image of Indigenous football star Selwyn Cobbo standing still during the national anthem.
Mitchell isn’t the only football star who chooses not to sing the national anthem. Rugby legend Jonathan Thurston and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga hit back at the criticism the players have received.
“I know the Indigenous All Stars didn’t sing the national anthem and didn’t want the national anthem played in those games at the beginning of the year, and that was a decision they made as a collective group,” Thurston said.
Mitchell disagreed with Max Krilich’s views on players not singing Advance Australia Fair
Mitchell shared a post from The Tribal Tribune with the headline ‘Difficult to sing without a voice’, with an image of Indigenous footy star Selwyn Cobbo
Indigenous football greats Mal Meninga and Jonathan Thurston have also supported players who choose not to sing the national anthem before a match
‘I don’t know exactly which players did not sing the national anthem this time, but that is their belief and their personal decision.
‘Just as the nation voted on the referendum, they can do their thing too. Even though you may not like it, that is their decision.”
Meninga also supported his players, saying they should have the freedom to sing or not.
“I’m not saying anything (to the players), I think it’s personal preference,” Meninga told Triple M.
“They grew up with certain values, especially with their families, and those values need to be respected.
‘I think it depends on the individual. I personally sing the national anthem because I am a proud Australian.”