Richards-Defends-Socceroos-Spirit

mike4066 · Jan 31, 2012

I can't really find the spat the article is referring too can anybody point me in the right direction?

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/richards-defends-socceroos-spirit/44947

zhuangzi · Feb 1, 2012

This Clash of the Titans:

Robbie's rant: Foster refutes Slater charge of racism
Sebastian Hassett
January 17, 2012

FORMER Socceroo Craig Foster has broken his silence over comments made by Robbie Slater on Twitter at the weekend, revealing he is ''disappointed'' about his views being labelled ''racist''.

Foster, a columnist for The Sun-Herald and a football analyst for SBS Television, was on the receiving end of an extraordinary attack from Slater after he questioned the Melbourne Victory's decision to appoint Northern Irishman Jim Magilton as coach.

Foster said the appointment was a ''return to the direction of yesteryear'' and harked back to Australian football's ''historical reliance on Britons''.

Timing is everything, Ray

el-capitano · Feb 1, 2012

Inspired me to update the picture thread.

“Socceroo mateship is what the legend is all about. Slater’s choice to break the unwritten code of all national teams of all sports of this great nation and reveal private details throws a dark shadow over the green and gold and the Socceroos legend itself.

“Most, if not all Socceroos squads, have had disputes with the national administrative body over conditions and monetary compensation, just as we did at the 12th hour before flying out to Germany for Australia’s first appearance at the World Cup.

“We set up a leadership group in 1974 with some its members the greatest names ever to wear the green and gold. The 1997 squad that Slater refers to did the same. Our concerns were similar to theirs. We had teammates that needed to be looked after. Teammates that helped us qualify but would not be going to Germany in the final squad.

“The difference then was that we stuck together, as mates do.
“As mentioned previously, the Socceroos legend over many years has been built on strength of character, mateship and being there for your players when things get tough.

“Unfortunately, the fabric isn’t always cut to fit the individual, but that is in the minority. Maybe only one!

“To all past, current and future Socceroos, I ask you to consider what you represent, enhance the legend with your own actions, and build on its reputation.”

mike4066 · Feb 1, 2012

Thanks guys. It really is a non-story.....makes sense that no one posted anything

el-capitano · Feb 1, 2012

Another ex-Socceroo has just chimed in:

Ernie Tapai hits out at Slater claims

Tapai believes that Slater’s version of events - that the squad was divided and that coach Terry Venables was against the action - are incorrect and claims that in fact Venables was behind his mostly united players, who thoroughly appreciated his support.

“I read in Robbie's column that the squad was divided because of the dispute but, no, the camaraderie among that team was as good as I experienced in 12 years of representing Australia,” Tapai said.

“Eighteen out of 21 players signed the resolution [to take action] and anyway, we made the final, so how could we have been divided? That's total fiction.

“Terry addressed the players and told us that he was a big PFA man himself and in England they had to fight the same battles, so he totally understood and supported the team but did raise his concern over the timing.

“We let him know this was the first tournament Australia had been in with appearance money and plus we had our European players present, so there was no alternative. It was a one off. He completely understood and the boys loved him for it.”

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