Socceroos legend slams Prince William's "patronising" Matildas remark
Craig Foster has slammed Prince William's "patronising pat on the head" for the Matildas after their defeat in the England v. Australia Women's World Cup semi-finals.
Foster, a Socceroos legend and staunch supporter of Australia becoming a republic, reacted angrily to Prince William’s attempt to congratulate the Matildas in the wake of their 3-1 defeat against the Lionesses.
Shortly after the game, Prince William sent a message to both teams.
“What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses — on to the final!” William wrote to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter account after the tense semi-final came to a close.
“Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W”
King Charles also chimed in on the messages of support, and was full of praise for both teams.
“My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said.
“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”
But Foster, who is the co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement, saw through the royal family's messages and didn't want to hear their condescending messages of support and praise.
“You’ve been proudly supporting England all tournament. Not a word for Australia. Not that we expect it. We prefer the honesty. Without the patronising pat on the head in defeat,” Foster tweeted.
“Support the Lionesses & let us get on with our business, mate.”
Foster's message welcomed a mixed reaction, with many agreeing with his sentiment and reinforcing the notion of Australia becoming a republic, while others thought it was obvious that William would be barracking for England, as he is president of Britain’s Football Association.
One person simply added to Craig's tweet saying, "What a weird take on a quite gracious sentiment."
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