Stark difference in Australia Day posts from sporting organisations
Australia Day remains arguably the most divisive topic Down Under with uploads from sporting bodies highlighting a key difference.
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Australia Day has come and gone, but one thing still garnering traction is the stark difference in how sporting organisations approached the day.
Across the country “Invasion Day” and “Survival Day” rallies were held in most capital cities on Sunday, with approximatively 25,000 anti-Australia Day and pro-Palestine protesters taking to the streets in Melbourne’s CBD.
While thousands rolled out to protest the day, a recent news.com.au survey revealed almost nine in 10 Australians believe Australia Day should continue to be celebrated on January 26.
With the national day being one of the most divisive topics on Australian shores, the disparity in social media posts between Australian and international teams was glaring.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs were among a host of NRL teams to issue statements on Sunday with the club issuing the catch cry “Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.”
While not every AFL team issued a statement regarding Australia Day, a host of teams did, with Port Adelaide the only team to call for the date to be changed.
“We respect that everyone has a right to their own views and do not speak on behalf of all members and stakeholders on this issue,” the Power statement read.
“We acknowledge that the 26th of January is a day which represents sadness for many people in our club and community.
“We are committed to reconciliation and education through our actions and community programs.
“On that basis, we advocate for changing the date.”
As AFL and NRL teams issued statements regarding the pain and sorrow it can bring, international teams were issuing celebratory remarks to those Down Under.
NBA team the Atlanta Hawks posted a video of Bendigo born Dyson Daniels with the caption: “Everyone wish our favourite Aussie a Happy Australia Day!”
Formula 1 driver, and honorary Australian, Valtteri Bottas uploaded a video of several animal attacks with the caption: “Gotta love Australia #AustraliaDay.”
Even Leicester City Football Club posted a celebratory message on social media, posting an image of Australia with fans celebrating with the caption reading: “We hope everyone celebrating today has a great one!”
The comments sections of the varying posts reflected the stark disparity in the messages being delivered by organisations Down Under compared to those from overseas.
One fan commented on Leicester’s upload, which garnered over 800 likes: “If only Australian sporting clubs showed more recognition for Australian day!”
Another wrote: “More patriotism here than the whole of football Australia and A-Leagues combined - thank you Leicester!”
It was a similar story on the Atlanta Hawks’ post with Simon Smith writing: “Not one
@AFL club could manage to produce this.”
While the sentiment wasn’t being completely endorsed on posts by AFL and NRL clubs, with comments being turned off on multiple uploads, the comments sections showed just how divisive the topic has become.
One wrote in response to Souths’ statement: “Never was, never will be. Stop this division.”
Another added: “Beautifully written. Happy Australia Day to all. Let’s celebrate this wonderful Country we love in.”
One wrote in response to Essendon’s statement: “A well thought out post acknowledging Australia Day but also those that find it painful.”
A second added: “Just say HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY.”
Originally published as Stark difference in Australia Day posts from sporting organisations
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