Daniel Andrews reacts to Newman’s call to boo Welcome to Country

Daniel Andrews has hit out at Sam Newman’s call to boo the Welcome to Country at the AFL Grand Final, saying he wouldn’t listen to the former footballer’s views.

Daniel Andrews has fired back at Sam Newman’s call for footy fans to boo the Welcome to Country at the AFL Grand Final.

The Premier slammed the comments of the former footballer, stating it wasn’t a “very generous” call.

“When it comes to the views of former footballers, I’d be more inclined to listen to Uncle Michael Long on these issues than Sam Newman — like every day and twice on Sundays, I’d listen to Michael Long before I talk to Sammy,” Mr Andrews said.

Sam Newman’s call to boo the Welcome to Country at the AFL Grand Final has been slammed by Dan Andrews. Picture: AAP

“Why would you boo the oldest continuous culture known to human history. Why would you do that? That’s not something to boo. That’s something to celebrate.

“I don’t think that would the be the right thing to do. That’s not something I’d do.”

Mr Andrews said he didn’t believe repeated welcome to countries had become tokenistic.

But he said he didn’t give much thought to Mr Newman.

“He’s no fan of mine. He carried on like there was no tomorrow,” Mr Andrews said.

“I didn’t come here to talk about him. Believe me, he was the last person I was going to be talking about today.”