Scott Morrison responds after Aussies slam ‘disgusting’ moment at Shane Warne memorial

Scott Morrison has responded after it was cheekily pointed out people booed him from the MCG stands at Shane Warne’s public memorial.

Scott Morrison isn’t fazed by the negative attention. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Scott Morrison has shrugged off the booing he received from some parts of the crowd at the MCG on Wednesday night at Shane Warne’s public memorial.

Boos could be heard from the stands as the Prime Minister’s name was announced over the PA system as part of the official party.

Some on social media hit back at the “disgusting” reception given to Australia’s leader, suggesting it was out of line given people were there to pay their respects to the cricket legend.

“They did run the shots of you being booed when you came up on the big screen,” Samantha Armytage said in an interview with the Prime Minister on her Stellar podcast Something To Talk About.

But Mr Morrison said getting booed is simply part of the job.

“Politicians always get booed at every sporting stadium in the country — it’s par for the course. It’s a bit of a ritual,” he told Armytage.

The PM added after there were plenty of people who appreciated the job he’s been doing, revealing some fans came up and thanked him when he was leaving the MCG.

“I was leaving last night that beautiful service for Shane. I was walking back to the car and there was a lovely group of people there waiting for me to leave just to say thank you,” Mr Morrison said.

“I wasn’t expecting that and it was nice of them to do it. And to be honest that happens more often than the alternative.”

He also said the media prefers to focus on negative interactions with the public, rather than the positive ones, referencing his infamous trip to Cobargo after it was ravaged by bushfires.

“You won’t see it on TV, you won’t hear it often out of the media. Why would they?” Mr Morrison said.

“Because that suggests the PM actually connects with people and why would they want to tell Australians that?”

Scott Morrison copped a chilly reception. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

While some wanted to boo Mr Morrison on Wednesday night, others stepped in to defend him.

“Disgusting behaviour - this memorial is about Shane Warne! Save your opinions & behaviour for more appropriate occasions or better still direct your energy towards being kind!” Michelle Coupe wrote on Facebook.

“People who indulge in this disgusting behaviour will never have the manners the respect or the behaviour to ever be decent human beings. If this is the way they behave at a memorial service, it shows their character,” added Coral Peters.

Margaret Davis wrote: “So why was everyone there? Supposedly to commemorate Shane Warne!! How disrespectful at such a significant event!! I’m sure Shane Warne would not go along with such disrespect!!!”

Norman Borg said: “I’m no fan of his … but come on … that’s not the place not the time. With millions watching do we have to embarrass ourselves. Show respect to the Warne family.”

More than 50,000 people attended the MCG and millions watched on TV as they listened to Warne’s mates tell hilarious stories and his family deliver heartbreaking eulogies.

His children Brooke, Summer and Jackson spoke beautifully and Brooke revealed on Instagram on Thursday night the family had received flowers from NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Shane Warne’s kids were pillars of strength. Photo by Michael Klein

A stack of A-list celebrities lined up to pay their respects to Warne on Wednesday night. Hollywood stars Eric Bana and Hugh Jackman made cameos, musical icons Sir Elton John, Chris Martin, Jon Stevens, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran performed in his honour, Kylie and Dannii Minogue passed on messages of their love and even surfing megastar Kelly Slater was involved, reminiscing on his friendship with The King.

Warne’s ex-fiancee Liz Hurley was originally slated to be part of the memorial but Eddie McGuire, who acted as master of ceremonies, later revealed to news.com.au she was “too emotional” to send a video message.

Originally published as Scott Morrison responds after Aussies slam ‘disgusting’ moment at Shane Warne memorial