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Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Melbourne Storm apologise for Welcome to Country scandal more than THREE MONTHS after it happened - but there's a twist that will leave many Aussies furious
The Melbourne Storm have finally apologised for the Welcome to Country scandal that rocked the club on ANZAC Day. The Storm abruptly cancelled a planned Welcome to Country ceremony just hours before kick‑off at AAMI Park on ANZAC Day – more than three months ago. Now the club has finally apologised to all of the groups and individuals impacted by that 11th–hour decision – but also revealed the team won't be holding a Welcome to Country ceremony at their Indigenous Round match on Thursday night. Instead, the Storm will hold an Acknowledgement of Country. Unlike a Welcome, an Acknowledgement can be performed by a non–Indigenous person. 'Melbourne Storm has been in ongoing communication with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on ANZAC Day and has apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved,' the club announced in a statement. 'The Club extends that apology to First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities impacted. 'As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the Club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the Club will recognise the traditional owners of the land through an Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round.' But the timing of their apology has set off another firestorm, and it's all to do with money, jerseys and timing. This week, the club unveiled its 2025 Indigenous Round jersey, to be worn against the Brisbane Broncos. The guernsey features artwork honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who have worn the purple jersey. It will be sold to fans as part of the lead‑up to Indigenous Round celebrations. For many fans, the optics couldn't be worse. 'But they've still decided to not have a Welcome to Country for the upcoming Indigenous round,' one fan commented. 'Is this just about money or is this a change in accepting cultural diversity and inclusion of First Nations people. As your disgusting decisions over welcome to Country cannot be tolerated,' posted another. Footy fans questioned the Storm and accused the club of cashing in on Indigenous Round 'Won't have a welcome to country. Will make $ by selling an indigenous themed Guernsey,' added another. The backlash comes on the heels of the ANZAC Day Welcome to Country scandal that's been simmering since April. The decision blindsided Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, who has performed the protocol at countless Melbourne events. She was told she was no longer required, with no clear explanation. Two First Nations performance groups, also booked to appear, immediately withdrew in protest. Even when the club tried to backtrack, it was too late to save the moment. The fallout was instant and brutal. The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, a long‑time partner, cut ties with the Storm entirely. Aunty Joy said she was 'heartbroken' and unsure if she could ever work with the club again. Club chairman Matt Tripp later claimed the board had not formally approved the ceremony. He blamed the debacle on a miscommunication between the board and management. But that explanation didn't wash with critics, who saw the move as a sign of disrespect. The scandal landed on a day already marred by cultural tensions. Earlier that morning, neo‑Nazis booed an Indigenous elder during a Welcome to Country at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. The Storm has remained steadfast in its decision to ditch regular Welcome to Country ceremonies throughout the season.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Former All Blacks winger Bridge signs with Western Force
MELBOURNE, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Former New Zealand winger George Bridge has signed a two-year deal with Western Force and will return to Super Rugby next season, ending a three-year stint in French rugby. Bridge scored 12 tries in 19 tests for the All Blacks and played in the 2019 World Cup in Japan before heading abroad to play for Top 14 side Montpellier in 2022. The 30-year-old will replace Wallabies winger Harry Potter who left the Perth-based Force to join the New South Wales Waratahs. Bridge, who can also play fullback, was part of Scott Robertson's powerful Canterbury Crusaders from 2017-22, helping the South Island team win four Super Rugby titles and the domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa championship twice. "George is well known to a number of people on our staff and they can't speak highly enough of his professionalism, approach to the game and his rugby knowledge," Force coach Simon Cron said in a statement on Tuesday. "He's got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He's a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He'll add to the guys that we have in the squad." The Force, who have never made the playoffs in any variant of Super Rugby since joining in 2006, managed only four wins last season and finished ninth in the 11-team competition. Bridge's former team, the Crusaders, won a record-extending 15th Super Rugby title.
Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
Thomas Partey: Ex-Arsenal player charged with rape to appear in court today
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is due to appear in court today, charged with raping two women. The 32-year-old, who was charged four days after leaving the north London club when his contract expired back in June, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service has said. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022. The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire has previously said the Ghanaian "denies all the charges against him" - and looks forward to the chance to "finally clear his name". Partey joined Arsenal from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2020 and became a regular for manager Mikel Arteta, who last month said he was "100% sure" the club followed the correct protocols. An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: "The player's contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case." Partey made 35 appearances for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals.
