Socceroo Awer Mabil has firmly rejected the notion that Australia lacks a multicultural foundation, referring to such claims as “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,”. This reaction comes in light of Pauline Hanson’s assertion that the national soccer team exemplifies her idea of a monocultural Australia.
Mabil returned to Australia on Monday after participating in the Socceroos’ recent 4-2 penalty defeat against Egypt in the World Cup knockout stage.
When questioned by journalists about the implications of Australia not being a multicultural society, Mabil responded emphatically, stating, “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.”.
He emphasized that the Socceroos remained undeterred by political discourse surrounding their identity. Mabil remarked, “The Socceroos aren’t just a team, we are a reflection of modern Australia,” during his arrival at Adelaide airport.
Response to Multiculturalism Debate
He continued, expressing that those attempting to sow division are likely not aligned with the Australian identity. “The Socceroos, in fact, represent my vision of a… monocultural Australia,” Mabil noted.
Born in a refugee camp in Kenya to South Sudanese parents, Mabil moved to Australia as a child and became a citizen. His contributions to charity, particularly in enhancing health and education for refugee communities, earned him the title of Young Australian of the Year in 2023.
Earlier in the tournament, the Socceroos conveyed their diverse backgrounds in a video message, highlighting their migrant heritage. Veteran midfielder Jackson Irvine stated, “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,”
Pauline Hanson’s Controversial Remarks
In June, during a speech at the National Press Club, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson claimed that multiculturalism had failed in Australia, suggesting instead that the Socceroos were a successful representation of unity among diverse backgrounds under a single flag. She stated, “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.”
Mabil countered this perspective, asserting that multiculturalism is viewed positively within the Socceroos’ environment. He said, “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 further elaborated on the importance of inclusivity, stating, “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.”
