Socceroo Awer Mabil has called Pauline Hanson's suggestion that Australia is not a multicultural society 'bullshit', defending the national team as a reflection of the country's diversity. Mabil returned to Australia on Monday after the Socceroos' 4-2 penalty defeat to Egypt in the World Cup last 32.
Mabil's Response to Hanson's Claim
Asked by reporters about comments suggesting Australia was not multicultural, Mabil said 'it's just all bullshit'. Despite being used as a political football, the Socceroos remained focused. 'We know what we represent. We represent Australia at the biggest stage, and Australia ... is the best country in the world, and the Socceroos is the best representation of that,' he told reporters at Adelaide airport.
'If anybody's trying to divide that, then they're probably not Australian themselves, in a sense, respectfully. Because Australia is very inclusive, includes everybody. That's what the Socceroos is.'
Mabil's Background and Achievements
Born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents, Mabil migrated to Australia as a child and became a citizen. He was named Young Australian of the Year in 2023 for his charity work providing health and education to refugee communities.
Socceroos' Embrace of Diversity
Earlier in the tournament, the Socceroos released a video celebrating their diverse heritage. 'The Socceroos aren't just a team, we are a reflection of modern Australia,' said veteran midfielder Jackson Irvine.
In June, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson told the National Press Club that multiculturalism had failed in Australia, but said the Socceroos represented her vision of 'a monocultural Australia'. Mabil countered that multiculturalism is positive: 'You don't pick where you're born, you don't pick the colour of your skin, you pick to be a good human being. That's a choice.'
'Some people, they choose to go against being good, then that's their own problem. Then they're missing out on what others can bring, and that's what multicultural does. It brings other flavours to the table instead of just one thing.'
