Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison received a frosty reception from Victorians at the MCG while attending the state funeral for cricket legend Shane Warne.
Boos could be heard erupting from the 30,000 people in the stands as the Prime Minister's name was read out by Eddie Maguire as part of the official party.
The PM shirked his previous engagement - to appear on ABC’s 7:30 with Leigh Sales to spruik his pre-election budget to voters - to attend the state service for Warnie.
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The Prime Minister had hoped the budget would help reset the narrative in the lead-up to the election, but with media and Australian eyes pointed firmly toward the MCG and away from Canberra, the PM changed his plans last-minute.
Morrison was joined at the MCG by Opposition leader Anthony Albanese, but it was the Prime Minister who copped the negative reaction from the crowd.
He was seen smirking as the public savagely booed him; a grim sign for the unpopular leader's re-election hopes.
The moment has divided social media users as to whether it was appropriate to boo the Aussie Prime Minister during a state funeral.
One Twitter user wrote: "Ha, Boos when Eddie Maguire acknowledged Scott Morrison's attendance at Shane Warne's memorial service. Nice touch."
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Another added: "I wouldn't oppose booing Morrison in most places but really they should leave it out here. I don't think it's something Warnie would have endorsed."
A third wrote: "Yeah, I'm cool with him (or any politician) being booed most places but not at a memorial service."
It is not uncommon for fans to boo the sitting Prime Minister at major sporting events, with Morrison describing it to reporters in 2019 as 'a great tradition'.
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"I would be disappointed if they didn't," the Prime Minister said at the time. "Bob Hawke and everyone else got the same treatment at games."
Speaking with Seven, Morrison had a message for Australia and the Warne family despite the savage crowd reaction.
“My message to all Australians, but particularly to Shane’s family, is thank you. Thank you for sharing Shane with all of us,” he said.
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“I hope tonight what people will be able to do is just pour out their love for Shane and he and all of his family.
"That’s what I hope that they will see the great celebration of his life and be simply comforted by that.
“Shane has given us all so many wonderful moments, and he’s such an Australian character and an Australian icon.
"So I’m looking forward to seeing his life celebrated tonight, and I hope the family take away from that a sense of comfort.”
Featured Image Credit: Jay Kogler / Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: Australia, Sport, News
