Pauline Hanson's multiculturalism comments upset Socceroos during World Cup, says Irankunda

Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda revealed that comments made by Australian politician Pauline Hanson about multiculturalism deeply upset members of the national team during the recent World Cup held in North America. Senator Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, delivered a speech at the National Press Club advocating for Australia to abandon its multiculturalism policy in favor of a monoculture. Irankunda, one of several Socceroos players with a refugee background, described the impact of these remarks: "It really did upset me and it upset a lot of the other boys to see things and hear things like that," he told 702 ABC Sydney. "I felt a bit emotional but then tried to forget about it." Despite efforts to stay off social media, Irankunda found it challenging to escape the senator's comments. He emphasized the diversity within the team, stating, "There can be some people who do the wrong thing but that doesn't mean that's all of us. There's people like me, and Awer [Mabil], Mohamed Touré that go out there. There's a lot of boys like us that go out there and do the right thing." He expressed frustration at being grouped with those who act negatively, adding, "I don't like how they try and put us in the whole same category as the other people who do bad." Irankunda, born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to Burundian parents fleeing civil war, moved to Australia as an infant. His comments follow a significant career move, transferring from English club Watford to Portuguese side Sporting CP for a reported $26 million. He admitted he would likely avoid direct conversation with Senator Hanson due to lingering upset over her past statements. Meanwhile, teammate Awer Mabil had previously dismissed suggestions that Hanson's comments distracted the team, calling the idea that Australia wasn't multicultural "all bullshit."

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It really did upset me and it upset a lot of the other boys to see things and hear things like that. I felt a bit emotional but then tried to forget about it.