Socceroos captain Lucas Neill says he does not regret swearing at fans who he claims booed directly at him during Tuesday night’s friendly against Costa Rica.
The veteran defender was caught on camera gesturing and mouthing an expletive towards a section of supporters at Allianz Stadium in the latter stages of Australia’s 1-0 victory.
The outburst has drawn widespread criticism from fans, commentators and former players – including Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater.
But Neill on Wednesday defended his reaction.
Asked on Triple M radio if he regretted responding to the hometown crowd, he said: “No, not at all.
“I’m an Australian, playing in Australia for Australia, getting booed by an Australian.
“There’s no place for that.
“I think it was a case of maybe a bit too much courage juice towards the end of the game.
“It was just isolated moments – every time I touched the ball, so I knew it was directed at me.
“But it’s detrimental to the team.
“But let’s just focus on the more positives, and that was we were one-nil up, we were having a fantastic game, we were winning the game, we were playing really well for Australia and Ange Postecoglou gets off to a great start.
“So that .01 per cent has just tarnished it slightly.”
Neill, who had a solid performance as he became the longest-serving Socceroo captain on Tuesday, has faced calls to quit since Australia’s drubbings by Brazil and France.
“I just think there’s a little bit too much focus on myself,” he said.
“I’ve always been a team player and I think we’ve go to look at the team as a whole.
“And not even the Socceroos now – the whole of Australia’s going to the World Cup. It’s not about me. We’re all here to enjoy it.
“I’ve had a little bit more attention than I think I’ve deserved. But that’s part and parcel of the game now I suppose.
“What’s important is the team responded to Ange’s philosophy – and after one week I think we’ve set ourselves up really well and we can kick on from here.”
Ballymore
Guest
I do wonder how Lucas would have been recieved at Anfield if he had signed there in Jan 2007, rather than opting for a relegation dogfight in East London.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
huh, where did I say he was a better role model? I have no problem with any supporters booing who they want, the nice clean cut aussie that you seem to love and the not so clean cut foreigner (sorry not everyone on this planet is blue-eyed and Christian, its called diversity). Plus I dunno enough about players private lives for cheap shots like that.
fadida
Guest
"earn the flak"???? Unless there were Liverpool fans booing in relation to his tackle on Carragher 10 years ago, how has he earnt boos at a national level?? Travelling the world to represent his country, risking losing his club place (not an issue recently!) and being away from his family for long periods. Yeah, really earnt those boos.......... He asked a legitimate question "why are you booing me"??
fadida
Guest
Agree
fadida
Guest
That's ok then Nick, he visited an underage prostitute and is a surly sh@t, but a better role model than Neill? That's one old school you went too..............
JamesP
Guest
They wont tune in to a press conference, but they would ready about it the next day.
Benjamin deRules
Guest
Titus, yes my mum agrees he is a nice boy, she also said "you won't find him having a shit in a hotel corridor or pissing though a restaurant window! very matter of fact my mother, also likes Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell so I won't hear a word against them '
JR Salazar
Guest
Man up, Lucas. You earn the flak you have gotten over the years, so get on with it.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
That's very well said Max. To be gutted at the reaction of the public is one thing but to react the way he did is childish and unprofessional imo. Not the reaction of a 30something captain who has seen it all. Amateurish at best.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
First the 'case" was about an under age prostitute who lied about her age, not a rape. But lets not go there. No one accuses Neill of any crime, I don't mind him at all personally. But I also think supporters who do not like him have every right to boo him. I understand Cantona's reaction as he was racially abused, same with other players who get monkey chants etc. But booing seriously?
Titus
Guest
For the record, my mum still thinks he is a nice boy and a good captain.....and very good looking.
Anto
Guest
What a storm in a teacup. Lucas is a bloody football legend in this country. Cut the bloke some slack. Honestly, it's what's wrong with the media and some supporters these days. So, people have bad days/weeks/months. Even if they're a famous footballer. Who cares? We all have 'em. Shrug the shoulders and move on. There's no story here.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
If he is playing for Australia then we should be cheering for him not booing him.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
@ Punter, Bosnich is no Lucas Neill and never will be---chalk and cheese when it comes down to real character. Sir Alex saw right through Bosnich as an obnoxious lair..
Punter
Guest
So he who has never sin should throw the first stone. I think Bozza accepts the mistakes he has made & he copped a lot of criticism for his interaction with the Spurs supporters & also his lack of appearance for Australia so why shouldn't Neill.
Steve
Guest
Agree, but with the caveat that *everyone* should harden up: players can't whine when they cop it, fans can't whine if the players give it back.
AVictory
Guest
well said fadida.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
True. Bosnich is a fool.
dasilva
Guest
I agree this is a non-issue for me Fans are allowed to boo the players and players should be allowed to talk back to the crowd I don't really believe in the idea that players are obligated to just sit there and take it Maybe it is advised for them to focus on the match at hand but if they find firing themselves up helps them with their performance than so be it.
Ballymore
Guest
Who cares? If the crowd wants to abuse their own player go for it, if the player wants to respond then he should go for it. Anyone offended should harden up.