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‘Stop f**king moaning’: Poms slammed

An English cricket legend has lashed out at his countrymen over their reaction to the heatwave, with Spain and England experiencing record-breaking temperatures.

Miranda Wang
July 2, 2025 - 12:59PM
news.com.au
Europe is in the grips of a severe heatwave, as temperatures hit record-breaking numbers in Spain and England. Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP
1/94Europe is in the grips of a severe heatwave, as temperatures hit record-breaking numbers in Spain and England. Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP
The unusually hot weather is exposing millions of tourists and locals across Europe to temperatures more typical of July and August. Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP
2/94The unusually hot weather is exposing millions of tourists and locals across Europe to temperatures more typical of July and August. Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP
The town of El Granado in Spain experienced a sweltering temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a new record for June. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
3/94The town of El Granado in Spain experienced a sweltering temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a new record for June. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
A red heat wave warning is in place for 16 départements (similar to districts) across France, including Île-de-France, where Paris is located. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
4/94A red heat wave warning is in place for 16 départements (similar to districts) across France, including Île-de-France, where Paris is located. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
The Eiffel Tower summit was closed to tourists on Tuesday and Wednesday as temperatures climbed as high as 41 degrees. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the official website stated, “During this period of high temperatures, please remember to protect yourselves from the sun and stay hydrated regularly. Fountains are available along the paths leading to the forecourt.” Picture: Ludovic MARIN/AFP
5/94The Eiffel Tower summit was closed to tourists on Tuesday and Wednesday as temperatures climbed as high as 41 degrees. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the official website stated, “During this period of high temperatures, please remember to protect yourselves from the sun and stay hydrated regularly. Fountains are available along the paths leading to the forecourt.” Picture: Ludovic MARIN/AFP
Schools were also affected by the extreme heatwave, with approximately 1350 schools partially or fully closed on Tuesday. Picture: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP
6/94Schools were also affected by the extreme heatwave, with approximately 1350 schools partially or fully closed on Tuesday. Picture: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP
The UK is also baking under the European heat, with temperatures hitting over 30 degrees Celsius earlier this week. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
7/94The UK is also baking under the European heat, with temperatures hitting over 30 degrees Celsius earlier this week. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
But while Paris sweltered at 44 degrees Celsius, Londoners are doing it tough as the mercury hits 34 degrees Celsius. It led to one of England’s greatest ever cricketers Kevin Pietersen, who was born in South Africa and only moved to England as a 20-year-old, to lash out on X. “Stop f******g moaning about the heat in London. It’s AMAZING! Considering how bad this last winter was, enjoy the sunshine. It’s healthy!” Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
8/94But while Paris sweltered at 44 degrees Celsius, Londoners are doing it tough as the mercury hits 34 degrees Celsius. It led to one of England’s greatest ever cricketers Kevin Pietersen, who was born in South Africa and only moved to England as a 20-year-old, to lash out on X. “Stop f******g moaning about the heat in London. It’s AMAZING! Considering how bad this last winter was, enjoy the sunshine. It’s healthy!” Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The sun came down on Wimbledon this week as well, with players, refs, spectators and other support staff copping a 32 degree day as the tournament kicked off on Monday. It marks the hottest opening day since the tournament began. Picture: Glyn KIRK / AFP
9/94The sun came down on Wimbledon this week as well, with players, refs, spectators and other support staff copping a 32 degree day as the tournament kicked off on Monday. It marks the hottest opening day since the tournament began. Picture: Glyn KIRK / AFP
Players were handed cold towels and ice packs to help with the heat. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
10/94Players were handed cold towels and ice packs to help with the heat. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
As multiple health warnings are issued across Europe, an alarming analysis has found that almost 600 people are expected to die early in the heatwave across England and Wales. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
11/94As multiple health warnings are issued across Europe, an alarming analysis has found that almost 600 people are expected to die early in the heatwave across England and Wales. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
People over the age of 65 are most at risk, accounting for 85 per cent of the expected heatwave deaths. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
12/94People over the age of 65 are most at risk, accounting for 85 per cent of the expected heatwave deaths. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
According to the UK Health Security Agency, more than 10,000 people died early between 2020 and 2024 due to the summer heatwaves. Picture: Ludovic MARIN / AFP
13/94According to the UK Health Security Agency, more than 10,000 people died early between 2020 and 2024 due to the summer heatwaves. Picture: Ludovic MARIN / AFP
Holiday-makers and locals are warned to take precautions while travelling, including staying out of the sun during peak hours (between 11am and 6pm), wear sunscreen, and to stay hydrated. Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP
14/94Holiday-makers and locals are warned to take precautions while travelling, including staying out of the sun during peak hours (between 11am and 6pm), wear sunscreen, and to stay hydrated. Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP
It is generally cooler in the evening. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
15/94It is generally cooler in the evening. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
Paris locals stand in a mist fountain to cool off from the heat as temps hit 44 degrees Celsius on the 1st of July. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
16/94Paris locals stand in a mist fountain to cool off from the heat as temps hit 44 degrees Celsius on the 1st of July. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
French weather agency Météo-France has placed Paris and 15 other districts on the highest alert for heat risk. Picture: Photo by Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
17/94French weather agency Météo-France has placed Paris and 15 other districts on the highest alert for heat risk. Picture: Photo by Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
The red alert was last issued for Paris in August 2023. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
18/94The red alert was last issued for Paris in August 2023. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
With schools partially shut, schoolchildren cooled off at a local fountain. Picture: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP
19/94With schools partially shut, schoolchildren cooled off at a local fountain. Picture: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP
It’s a full house! Or should we say fountain … Picture: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP
20/94It’s a full house! Or should we say fountain … Picture: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP
Vienna is also victim to the heatwave, with daily highs between 30 and 38 degrees Celsius across the country. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
21/94Vienna is also victim to the heatwave, with daily highs between 30 and 38 degrees Celsius across the country. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
Central Europe has been suffering the effects of a heatwave for several days now amid climate change, with scorching temperatures close to records in Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest or Bucharest. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
22/94Central Europe has been suffering the effects of a heatwave for several days now amid climate change, with scorching temperatures close to records in Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest or Bucharest. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
Two men cool off in Old Danube river during a hot summer day in Vienna, Austria. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
23/94Two men cool off in Old Danube river during a hot summer day in Vienna, Austria. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
When temps are hitting that high, it calls for a day on the water-bike. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
24/94When temps are hitting that high, it calls for a day on the water-bike. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
People paddling on SUP boards on the Old Danube river in Vienna, Austria. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
25/94People paddling on SUP boards on the Old Danube river in Vienna, Austria. Picture: Joe Klamar / AFP
Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Southern Europe this weekend. Picture: Carlos Costa/AFP
26/94Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Southern Europe this weekend. Picture: Carlos Costa/AFP
Pedestrians in Paris have no choice but to cool off at a public water jet. Picture: Romain Perrocheau/AFP
27/94Pedestrians in Paris have no choice but to cool off at a public water jet. Picture: Romain Perrocheau/AFP
Scientists have warned that periods of extreme heat will become longer, more frequent and more intense as human-induced climate change accelerates. Picture: Thomas Coex/AFP
28/94Scientists have warned that periods of extreme heat will become longer, more frequent and more intense as human-induced climate change accelerates. Picture: Thomas Coex/AFP
A woman uses a hand fan in a park during the first heatwave of the summer in Madrid. Picture: Thomas Coex/AFP
29/94A woman uses a hand fan in a park during the first heatwave of the summer in Madrid. Picture: Thomas Coex/AFP
Tourists and locals are using umbrellas to shield from the sun. Picture: Cristina Quicler/AFP
30/94Tourists and locals are using umbrellas to shield from the sun. Picture: Cristina Quicler/AFP
In Bulgaria, a Sofia Zoo employee sprays water on emu to cool them off as temperatures hit over 40 degrees Celsius. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
31/94In Bulgaria, a Sofia Zoo employee sprays water on emu to cool them off as temperatures hit over 40 degrees Celsius. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
These animals are well looked after. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
32/94These animals are well looked after. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
A Sofia Zoo employee sprays water on Chiko, a white rhino, to cool him off. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov / AFP
33/94A Sofia Zoo employee sprays water on Chiko, a white rhino, to cool him off. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov / AFP
A bear enjoys some frozen fruits and vegetables to cool off during a heatwave with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius, in Sofia on June 25, 2025. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
34/94A bear enjoys some frozen fruits and vegetables to cool off during a heatwave with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius, in Sofia on June 25, 2025. Picture: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
Punters at Les Deferlantes music festival in the south of France are ecstatic to be sprayed with water as a way to cool off. Picture: Jean-Christophe MILHET / AFP)
35/94Punters at Les Deferlantes music festival in the south of France are ecstatic to be sprayed with water as a way to cool off. Picture: Jean-Christophe MILHET / AFP)
You can never have too many bottles of fresh water during a heatwave. Picture: Jc Milhet/AFP
36/94You can never have too many bottles of fresh water during a heatwave. Picture: Jc Milhet/AFP
Festival-goers and organisers are desperately looking for ways to stay hydrated and try to cool off. Picture: Jean-Christophe Milhet/AFP
37/94Festival-goers and organisers are desperately looking for ways to stay hydrated and try to cool off. Picture: Jean-Christophe Milhet/AFP
Overheating during festivals is not uncommon and extremely dangerous. Punters are encouraged to take breaks, seek shade and cool down to avoid overheating. Picture: Jc Milhet / AFP
38/94Overheating during festivals is not uncommon and extremely dangerous. Punters are encouraged to take breaks, seek shade and cool down to avoid overheating. Picture: Jc Milhet / AFP
The heatwave is set to intensify further and spread across France next week, with 84 departments having been placed on orange alert from June 29, 2025. Picture: Sabastien Dupuy/AFP
39/94The heatwave is set to intensify further and spread across France next week, with 84 departments having been placed on orange alert from June 29, 2025. Picture: Sabastien Dupuy/AFP
Fans have been placed in public arenas to help cool holiday-makers and locals cool down in Rome, Italy. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
40/94Fans have been placed in public arenas to help cool holiday-makers and locals cool down in Rome, Italy. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Rome is one of 17 regions across Italy that have been issued with a Level 3 heat risk, indicating emergency conditions that post a risk to health. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
41/94Rome is one of 17 regions across Italy that have been issued with a Level 3 heat risk, indicating emergency conditions that post a risk to health. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Authorities have advised for people to drink lots of water. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
42/94Authorities have advised for people to drink lots of water. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Dogs and their owners cool off from the heat in a fountain in front of Saint-Eustache Church in central Paris. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
43/94Dogs and their owners cool off from the heat in a fountain in front of Saint-Eustache Church in central Paris. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
Tourists stay out of direct sunlight with an umbrella as they visit the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis Hill in Greece. Picture: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
44/94Tourists stay out of direct sunlight with an umbrella as they visit the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis Hill in Greece. Picture: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
Tourists shelter from the burning sun in a small area of shade at the Acropolis, Parthenon temple Athens, Greece. Picture: Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
45/94Tourists shelter from the burning sun in a small area of shade at the Acropolis, Parthenon temple Athens, Greece. Picture: Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Greece is gearing up for a new heatwave this weekend. Picture: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
46/94Greece is gearing up for a new heatwave this weekend. Picture: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
It seems everyone had the same idea in Rabat, Morocco! Picture: Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP
47/94It seems everyone had the same idea in Rabat, Morocco! Picture: Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP
Monthly temperature records have been broken across Morocco, sometimes topping seasonal norms by as much as 20 degrees Celsius, the national meteorological office said on June 29. Picture: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
48/94Monthly temperature records have been broken across Morocco, sometimes topping seasonal norms by as much as 20 degrees Celsius, the national meteorological office said on June 29. Picture: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
That’s a lot of umbrellas. Picture: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
49/94That’s a lot of umbrellas. Picture: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
People cool off at Sale beach in Rabat, Morocco. Picture: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
50/94People cool off at Sale beach in Rabat, Morocco. Picture: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
A pharmacy sign in central Paris displays a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius. Picture: Sebastien Dupuy/AFP
51/94A pharmacy sign in central Paris displays a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius. Picture: Sebastien Dupuy/AFP
People cool off with misters in a park in the Halles district of Paris. Picture: Thibaud Moritz/AFP
52/94People cool off with misters in a park in the Halles district of Paris. Picture: Thibaud Moritz/AFP
A class in Bordeaux, in the South West of France, is held outside the classroom so children can experience cool air. Picture: Philippe Lopez/ AFP
53/94A class in Bordeaux, in the South West of France, is held outside the classroom so children can experience cool air. Picture: Philippe Lopez/ AFP
Tourists shield themselves from the sum with umbrellas as they take a walk. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
54/94Tourists shield themselves from the sum with umbrellas as they take a walk. Picture: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
Heatwave conditions are forecast to continue across southern Europe throughout the week. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
55/94Heatwave conditions are forecast to continue across southern Europe throughout the week. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Euro summer is not joking around. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
56/94Euro summer is not joking around. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Paris authorities said the red alert would be extended into July 2. Picture: Sabastien Dupuy/AFP
57/94Paris authorities said the red alert would be extended into July 2. Picture: Sabastien Dupuy/AFP
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Picture: Ed Jones / AFP
58/94Desperate times call for desperate measures. Picture: Ed Jones / AFP
This dog in Murr, southwestern Germany, has the right idea as temperatures creep over 32 degrees Celsius. Picture: Thomas Kienzle/AFP
59/94This dog in Murr, southwestern Germany, has the right idea as temperatures creep over 32 degrees Celsius. Picture: Thomas Kienzle/AFP
Temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius are hitting North Macedonia. Picture: Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP
60/94Temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius are hitting North Macedonia. Picture: Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP
Madrid is experiencing temps of up to 37 degrees Celsius. Picture: Thomas Coex/ AFP
61/94Madrid is experiencing temps of up to 37 degrees Celsius. Picture: Thomas Coex/ AFP
People were out and about sunbathing in Almada, near Lisbon, during the first heatwave of the year. Picture: Carlos Costa/AFP
62/94People were out and about sunbathing in Almada, near Lisbon, during the first heatwave of the year. Picture: Carlos Costa/AFP
The trusty umbrella makes another appearance. Picture: Ludovic Marin/ AFP
63/94The trusty umbrella makes another appearance. Picture: Ludovic Marin/ AFP
People cool off any way they can in Rome, Italy. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
64/94People cool off any way they can in Rome, Italy. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
At Wimbledon, American tennis player Bob Bryan watches with a towel on his head. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images
65/94At Wimbledon, American tennis player Bob Bryan watches with a towel on his head. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Daniel Evans of Great Britain drinks water during a break between sets. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
66/94Daniel Evans of Great Britain drinks water during a break between sets. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Wimbledon spectators cool down with hand fans on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 in London, England. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
67/94Wimbledon spectators cool down with hand fans on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 in London, England. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic cools off with a cold town during a changeover on day two of Wimbledon 2025. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
68/94Novak Djokovic cools off with a cold town during a changeover on day two of Wimbledon 2025. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
A camera operator has a towel over their head to shelter from the heat on day one of Wimbledon. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
69/94A camera operator has a towel over their head to shelter from the heat on day one of Wimbledon. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
BYO fan! Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
70/94BYO fan! Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
The heatwave is expected to continue into the next week. Picture: Cristina Quicler/AFP
71/94The heatwave is expected to continue into the next week. Picture: Cristina Quicler/AFP
Authorities have issued health and wildfire warnings as temperatures are expected to soar again. Picture: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP
72/94Authorities have issued health and wildfire warnings as temperatures are expected to soar again. Picture: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP
You can’t have too many cold drinks during a heatwave! Picture: Cristina Quicler/AFP
73/94You can’t have too many cold drinks during a heatwave! Picture: Cristina Quicler/AFP
Locals are finding shade wherever they can. Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP
74/94Locals are finding shade wherever they can. Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP
Umbrellas, hats, handheld fans – whatever gets the job done. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
75/94Umbrellas, hats, handheld fans – whatever gets the job done. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Tourists fill up their bottles in front of Parthenon temple in Athens, Greece. Picture: Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
76/94Tourists fill up their bottles in front of Parthenon temple in Athens, Greece. Picture: Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Almada, near Lisbon, will once again face extreme temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Picture: Carlos Costa/AFP
77/94Almada, near Lisbon, will once again face extreme temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Picture: Carlos Costa/AFP
Greece can expect sweltering temperatures through Friday. Picture: Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
78/94Greece can expect sweltering temperatures through Friday. Picture: Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
School holidays are starting in Tunisia, and locals are bracing for a reported heatwave in the upcoming week. Picture: Fethi Belaid/AFP
79/94School holidays are starting in Tunisia, and locals are bracing for a reported heatwave in the upcoming week. Picture: Fethi Belaid/AFP
France, Italy, Portugal and Spain have been sweltering for several days. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
80/94France, Italy, Portugal and Spain have been sweltering for several days. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
Barcelona recorded its hottest June in more than a century. Thomas COEX / AFP
81/94Barcelona recorded its hottest June in more than a century. Thomas COEX / AFP
A woman walks fully clothed through fountain to cool off in Beziers, southern France. Picture: Gabriel Bouys/ AFP
82/94A woman walks fully clothed through fountain to cool off in Beziers, southern France. Picture: Gabriel Bouys/ AFP
The sunrise in Paris, France. Picture: Thibaud MORITZ / AFP
83/94The sunrise in Paris, France. Picture: Thibaud MORITZ / AFP
Beachgoers are armed with massive umbrellas in Tunisia. Picture: Fethi Belaid / AFP)
84/94Beachgoers are armed with massive umbrellas in Tunisia. Picture: Fethi Belaid / AFP)
A construction worker cools off during a hot day in Merignac, outside Bordeaux, southwestern France. Picture: Philippe LOPEZ / AFP
85/94A construction worker cools off during a hot day in Merignac, outside Bordeaux, southwestern France. Picture: Philippe LOPEZ / AFP
Locals have taken to fountains to cool off during the intense heatwave. Picture: Miguel Medina/ AFP
86/94Locals have taken to fountains to cool off during the intense heatwave. Picture: Miguel Medina/ AFP
That looks pretty refreshing. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
87/94That looks pretty refreshing. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
Public fountains have become an easy way for people to cool off. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
88/94Public fountains have become an easy way for people to cool off. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
It doesn’t matter whether you’re clothed or not! Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
89/94It doesn’t matter whether you’re clothed or not! Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
The dogs are loving it too! Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
90/94The dogs are loving it too! Picture: Sebastien Bozon/ AFP
Even indoors, water is sprayed on a man at a residential care home. Picture: ROMAIN LAFABREGUE / AFP
91/94Even indoors, water is sprayed on a man at a residential care home. Picture: ROMAIN LAFABREGUE / AFP
Italy has banned outdoor work in some regions. Picture: Jeff Pachoud/ AFP
92/94Italy has banned outdoor work in some regions. Picture: Jeff Pachoud/ AFP
The lack of shade would be excruciating. Picture: Jeff Pachoud/ AFP
93/94The lack of shade would be excruciating. Picture: Jeff Pachoud/ AFP
Who needs to go to the Eiffel Tower summit when you can cool off at the Trocadero Fountain, right in front of it? Picture: Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP
94/94Who needs to go to the Eiffel Tower summit when you can cool off at the Trocadero Fountain, right in front of it? Picture: Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP
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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/technology/environment/stop-fking-moaning-poms-slammed/image-gallery/f5329f5edaeb83880052f107e9a5994a