If you’re following the Socceroos in the world cup (which they’re now out, boo) you will be aware they got two controversial red cards during their campaign. One of those on the receiving end was my favourite player, Harry Kewell. He had battled himself mentally and physically to ensure he was fit to play at the cup. He had overcome negativity in the press, non-believers, and general assholes. Then to come on the field, and get a red card over a questionable handball was just cruel. I sat on the couch at home, looking at the tv in horror, completely speechless as he left the field. I felt his pain, I was gutted for him.
There’s a blog I follow, Giraffes and Kangaroos. It’s sports journalist Matthew Hall’s personal blog of his time spent in South Africa as he covers the World Cup. He covers everything, from interviews with players right through to random sights he sees around the country as he makes his way to each stadium. You could say it’s the unseen side of the world cup, the part that us viewers at home don’t get to see.
Today his quote blew me away.
I felt like getting the ball and booting it over the stand. Getting my boots, throwing it at him (the referee), just sitting in the middle of the park and not moving. Throwing all my toys out of the cot and saying ‘I’m not moving’ “.
- Harry Kewell (Source: Giraffes and Kangaroos)
In my opinion, it is a brilliant quote. I am so grateful that Matthew Hall allows us to see the deeper sides of the players, instead of just sharing biased and rude opinion pieces (don’t get me started on Michael Cockerill again). Matthew’s beyond that.
To Harry, I would say tough luck champ. I think you were hard done by. Despite what the media say, despite all the negativity you hear, there is a lot of us back in Australia that still think you’re great. We look forward to seeing you next in the green and gold, and hope you’re still around for our next campaign. Bring on 2014!
