Socceroo Awer Mabil has forcefully rejected suggestions that Australia is not a multicultural society, labeling the idea as 'bullshit' in response to Pauline Hanson's claim that the national team embodies her vision of a monocultural Australia.
Mabil, who returned to Australia on Monday after the Socceroos' 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in the World Cup last 32, was asked by reporters about the One Nation leader's comments. 'It's just all bullshit,' he said.
Mabil: Socceroos represent Australia's inclusivity
Despite being used as a political football, Mabil insisted the team was not distracted. 'We know what we represent. We represent Australia at the biggest stage, and Australia ... is the best country in the world, and the Socceroos is the best representation of that,' he told reporters at Adelaide airport.
'If anybody's trying to divide that, then they're probably not Australian themselves, in a sense, respectfully. Because Australia is very inclusive, includes everybody. That's what the Socceroos is.'
Born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents, Mabil migrated to Australia as a child and later became an Australian citizen. He was named Young Australian of the Year in 2023 for his charity work providing health and education opportunities to refugee communities.
Socceroos embrace diversity
Earlier in the tournament, the Socceroos released a video message celebrating their diverse heritage and migrant roots. 'The Socceroos aren't just a team, we are a reflection of modern Australia,' said veteran midfielder Jackson Irvine in the video.
Hanson, in a June address to the National Press Club, claimed multiculturalism had failed in Australia but said the Socceroos were a successful example of people of different backgrounds uniting under one flag. 'The Socceroos, in fact, represent my vision of a ... monocultural Australia,' she said.
Multiculturalism a positive in Socceroos camp
Mabil said multiculturalism was seen as a positive within the team. 'You don't pick where you're born, you don't pick the colour of your skin, you pick to be a good human being. That's a choice,' he said.
'Some people, they choose to go against being good, then that's their own problem. Then they're missing out on what others can bring, and that's what multicultural does. It brings other flavours to the table instead of just one thing.'
