Sam Newman says the AFL is thumbing its nose at popular opinion around the world
The AFL season kicks off tonight but footy larrikin Sam Newman is not impressed it is going ahead, labelling the move irresponsible and bewildering.
Confidential
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Sam Newman has slammed the AFL’s decision to start the season.
The footy legend and former The Footy Show co-host labelled it irresponsible and bewildering.
“Some of us are trying to be responsible,’’ Newman said.
“They are thumbing their nose at popular opinion around the world.
“Despite warnings from people to reduce the risk, the national competition is embarking on its season.
“To say there’s minimal risk, what does that mean?
“Only one person needs to get it and then what happens?
“Relevant bodies around the world are asking citizens to self regulate their behaviour and we’re asking millenials and young people to take it seriously.
“For a national competition to commence, attracting four or five thousand personnel, at this time is bewildering.
“You could not say this is a good idea.”
Newman suggested the competition should wait for a month to begin, given it has already been shortened to 17 rounds.
“If it was risk free you couldn’t start it quick enough,’’ he said.
“I don’t have a vested interest. Most are saying people are bored and want it to commence. I disagree with it.”
Newman’s comments come after former footy champion Brendan Fevola yesterday pleaded with the AFL to cancel the entire season because “life matters more than sport”.
“The NBA has stopped, the NHL has stopped, the EPL has stopped,’’ Fevola said on his FOX FM breakfast show.
“Every single sporting franchise or organisation has stopped.
“The AFL has to take money for TV rights. But it’s not all about money all the time. Just cancel it.”