Pauline Hanson slams the Matildas for “token PC gesture”
Pauline Hanson has responded in fury at the Matildas for posing with the Aboriginal flag before their victory over New Zealand this week.
The One Nation leader labelled the act a “token PC gesture” and claimed Australians are “sick and tired of their favourite sports being ruined by politics.”
The women’s soccer team, which includes Indigenous stars Lydia Williams and Kyah Simon, chose to pose with the Aboriginal flag instead of the Australian one.
They would go on to win against the Kiwis with 2-1 on Wednesday night.
The Aussies also stood side-by-side as they sung the national anthem, however Senator Hanson has claimed the photo was a slap in the face to all Australians.
Image: Channel 7
“Athletes in the Australian Olympic team are there representing all Australians on the biggest of international stages,” she said in a statement to her official website.
“Indigenous flags don’t represent all Australians. There’s only one flag which truly represents all of us.
“Taxpayers don’t shell out millions of dollars to send Olympic teams to represent two nations. We’re one nation, Australia, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.
“I think a lot of Australians are sick and tired of athletes and celebrities hijacking platforms to make token PC gestures that only inflame division.
“Australians are sick and tired of their favourite sports being ruined by politics.
“Australians supporting their Olympic team deserve an explanation from the Australian Olympic Committee, and I’m sure they want to know what the Prime Minister has to say about it too.”
Matildas superstar Sam Kerr, said she was “really proud” to represent the Aboriginal flag after scoring a goal in Wednesday’s victory, and told 7News she “wanted to do something that was relevant to our country and show unity within our group”.