The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Isn't the Kewell saga just a little ironic?

ryancropp new author
Roar Rookie
19th August, 2010
Advertisement
ryancropp new author
Roar Rookie
19th August, 2010
8
Australia's Socceroos World Cup players, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell

“And now you want to create this circus? Because why? Are you jealous of me? What have I ever done to you? Nothing.” If there’s one thing to take out of this week’s juvenile squabble between Harry Kewell and Robbie Slater, it is that it is of little benefit to either.

On the contrary, both have probably taken a hit to their already slimming levels of credibility.

Admittedly, it’s hard not to feel sorry for Kewell, a player of immense talent who, mainly through factors beyond his control, has never fulfilled the seemingly limitless potential he had as a teenager.

Through sheer force of will he has persevered through countless injuries and his commitment to the national team, at least in recent years, can hardly be questioned.

Yet, how can he continue to be picked for the Socceroos despite rarely playing club football? The answer, as Mike Cockerill bravely outlined, is to perpetuate the Harry Kewell myth.

It is a credit to his personal PR department that he has lasted this long.

Which is why it is hard to believe Kewell’s claims that the ‘circus’ surrounding him is solely a creation of the media. His petulant rant on Fox Sports, not to mention the witch-hunt when Cockerill hurt his feelings, seems to suggest Kewell is well and truly the ringmaster of the circus.

Advertisement

While the media have their part to play in the carnival, his sensational and juvenile comments sting with irony. If Kewell truly wanted the circus to go away, he would have kept his mouth shut.

But then who would keep the myth alive?

close