‘Burn him at the stake’: Adam Zampa sparks national anthem furore again

The Australian national anthem furore has reignited after one of our stars again refused to sing ahead of the clash against Pakistan.

Australian star Adam Zampa and coach Andrew McDonald have once again been caught on camera not singing the national anthem ahead of the clash against Pakistan.

The anthem furore has been hotly debated over the week after it ignited in the wake of the Voice referendum when several Australian rugby league players including Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo remained silent while the national anthem was played before the Kangaroos’ clash with Samoa.

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However, for the second time this week, Zampa was seen staying tight-lipped as Advance Australia Fair was played before the match.

Zampa appeared to be the only member of the Aussie playing group not to sing the anthem against Pakistan, as he did against Sri Lanka.

The 31-year-old was seen singing the anthem in both of Australia’s first two matches of the tournament, the heavy defeats at the hands of India and South Africa.

One fan tweeted: “Doesn’t Adam Zampa know the words to our national anthem?!! Shouldn’t be playing for Australia.”

Another posted: “Adam Zampa can F*#k right off. Australian Cricket should sack the bum.”

Another posted: “Omg Zampa didn’t sing the anthem!! Burn him at the stake,” however the post appeared to be dripping with sarcasm.

Adam Zampa kept his lips sealed. Photo: Fox Sports

Andrew McDonald also didn't sing the anthem. Photo: Fox Sports

The Age’s Greg Baum posted: “I can report that Adam Zampa is not singing the Pakistan national anthem.”

Fellow Age reporter Andrew Wu quipped: “How un-Pakistani of him.”

The debate has been fierce all week with fans and commentators appearing to be split by the situation with some calling for players refusing to sing the anthem to be sacked while others don’t see an issue.

Former dual international in rugby league and rugby union Mat Rogers told SEN’s Sportsday earlier in the week he fell into the latter camp, but it didn’t mean he didn’t love Australia.

“I’m over it, like who cares, honestly,” Rogers, who represented the Kangaroos on 11 occasions and Wallabies 45 times.

“It’s’ an antiquated song made 150 years ago that we’re forcing (them) to sing, if they don’t want to sing it, don’t sing it.

“I didn’t sing it every time I played for Australia … But that didn’t mean I wasn’t proud to play for Australia.

“We’re banging on about stuff that’s just ridiculous, there’s so much more stuff to worry about than someone singing a song, like who cares?

“If that’s a genuine issue, you’ve got to get more going on in your life.

“I’m a passionate Australian, I have a southern cross tattoo on my chest… I love Australia.”

Originally published as ‘Burn him at the stake’: Adam Zampa sparks national anthem furore again