In the aftermath of Australia's loss to South Korea in the Asian Cup, the Socceroos have faced not only disappointment on the pitch but also a wave of online abuse targeting their players. The team's defender Harry Souttar expressed his concern about the 'uncalled for' nature of these attacks, while Australia's player's union called for improved online protections.
The Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign came to a dramatic end as they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to South Korea. The Australian team had taken the lead with a goal from Craig Goodwin, only to concede an equalizing penalty in the 96th minute and ultimately succumb to a stunning free kick from Son Heung-Min in extra time.
Following the match, substitute defender Lewis Miller, who was involved in the incidents leading to South Korea's goals, became the target of online vitriol. Mitchell Duke also revealed that he had received abusive messages, including death threats, after missing two chances during the game. In addition, injured defender Gethin Jones found himself subjected to personal attacks despite not even playing in the match against Korea.
While Souttar acknowledged that criticism and analysis of the team's performances are expected, he condemned the personal targeting of individuals. He emphasized the need for unity and support, stating that unnecessary negativity only undermines the efforts of the players. Souttar urged everyone to stand behind the team, particularly during a major tournament like the Asian Cup.
The online abuse experienced by the Socceroos is not an isolated incident during the Asian Cup. Korean fans were also accused of crossing boundaries with their comments, and Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki faced racial abuse after making an error in a match against Iraq. Even match officials have been targeted, with threats being made against them and their personal details being shared online.
This issue of online abuse extends beyond the Asian Cup. Just two months ago, FIFA and FIFPro released a report on the online abuse encountered by players during the 2023 Women's World Cup. The report revealed that one in five players experienced targeted discriminatory, abusive, or threatening messages. Even in the domestic leagues, effective responses to such abuse remain rare, leaving athletes exposed to this type of behavior.
Professional Football Australia co-chief executive Beau Busch expressed his disappointment and called for better protection for national team players. He highlighted the sacrifices made by these athletes and stressed that they deserve to be shielded from toxic social media abuse. Busch also emphasized the need for proactive measures to be taken in order to address this issue.
It is essential for both fans and administrators to recognize the impact of their words and actions. Criticism and analysis can still be expressed, but it should be done in a constructive and respectful manner. The players, who dedicate themselves to representing their country, deserve the support and appreciation of the public. In an era where social media platforms can amplify voices, it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure the protection and well-being of athletes in the digital realm.
