Piers Morgan is back doing what Piers Morgan does best... being angry about something good that's happening in the world.
This time the controversial British TV host has taken aim at the Queensland government's plan to build a bronze statue in honour of the Matildas.
The team was celebrated in Brisbane on Sunday morning and the Lord Mayor handed over the Keys to the City.
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During these celebrations, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed a statue will be built in their honour.
“We’re going to increase the legacy funding for women’s football including upgrades to major venues where football is played across Queensland,” Palaszczuk said at the event.
“But wait there’s one more thing. As a lasting tribute to 2023 Matildas we will build a statue at Suncorp Stadium.
“There are plenty (of statues) there, celebrating our male sporting champions, it's time we celebrated women as well… you deserve your place amongst the greatest.”
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Morgan retweeted the announcement on Tuesday morning, writing: “A statue for coming 4th? Is this a joke?”
Sky News Australia host Laura Jays responded to Morgan, offering to explain what the team means to Australia.
"Long lunch and I’ll explain the Matildas effect," she said.
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She continued: "Half the country watched the match. This is a country that is dominated by men’s AFL and NRL.
"It’s a big deal. And the start of something very big for women’s spot."
She failed to make an impact on Morgan though, who responded: "Never had you down as a participation prize fan."
Morgan wasn't the only prominent man who took issue with the move.
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Former Aussie NBA star Andrew Bogut also questioned the decision on Twitter.
"Matildas did well… Statue? No. A Gold/First Place is a statue and over the top celebration worthy achievement," he wrote.
He continued: "Anything below is good, have a celebration or two, then move on. This goes for all Sports btw. A for effort, N for No statue."
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios responded to Bogut's post, writing: "Agree. Great effort! Statue for fourth is nuts but they had us all on the edge of our seats! Next time."
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Morgan later doubled-down on his comments.
"Mate, no offence but the Matildas got beaten by England, and even lost the 3rd/4th play-off," he responded to someone on Twitter.
"If your cricket team did that in a World Cup, they’d be stripped of their citizenships not given statues."
Featured Image Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.Topics: News, UK News, Sport, Piers Morgan
