AFL cop heavy backlash after releasing fixture during Socceroos game

We’ve all seen movies of siblings dropping it when a brother or sister has a birthday and the highlight is shining brightly on them.

A tantrum unfolds because the youngster cracks the sads about not having eyeballs on them at each single second.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

On Sunday morning that actual scenario performed out, however as a substitute of it being a toddler … it was knowledgeable sporting organisation.

As all eyes in Australia locked in to look at the Socceroos Round of 16 recreation towards Argentina, the AFL cracked the sads they weren’t receiving any consideration.

Right as one of many largest matches in Australian soccer received underway, the AFL launched the fixture for spherical 1, 2023.

The transfer left footy followers perplexed and got here throughout as nothing greater than a “hey look at us” second.

Backlash to the AFL’s choice got here in thick and quick with veteran journalist Caroline Wilson blasting the transfer as an indication of disrespect to the nationwide staff.

“It’s really interesting to watch the response from the other codes, and, you know, the story was 10, 20 years ago when Australia failed in World Cups, AFL and NRL broke out the Champagne,” Wilson mentioned on ABC’s Offsiders.

“I thought the response this morning to release the round one fixture of the AFL 2023 season was just lame of the AFL to release it today.

“I would have just given them a bit of clean air today. I thought that was disappointing by the AFL.”

Sport broadcaster Daniel Garb labelled the transfer from the AFL as “pathetic and petty” earlier than saying “the AFL has made itself look petty and insecure with its move here. Read the situation terribly.”

ESPN’s Matt Walsh wrote: “Literally 6.00am on the dot. On a Sunday. Weird enough in normal circumstances but a piss take given the kickoff this morning!”

The response on social media was much more damning with followers blasting the league for trying to steal the highlight away from the Socceroos.

ABC’s Evan Morgan Grahame wrote: “Oh was there a game of kicky-soccer this morning? I didn’t notice, as I was up at 5:30am reading the AFL round 1 fixture (???)”

CODE Sports’ Adam Peacock wrote: “Village sportz.”

AAP’s Oliver Caffrey wrote: “The AFL dropping the round-one fixture during this World Cup game is next-level parody.”

ROUND 1 FIXTURE

Thursday, March 16

Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.20pm AEDT

Friday, March 17

Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, 7.40pm AEDT

Saturday, March 18

North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEDT

Port Adelaide v Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT

Gold Coast v Sydney, Metricon Stadium, 7.00pm AEST

Sunday, March 19

Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide, Giants Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT

Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, 3.20pm AEDT

St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm AEDT