Robbie Slater has taken to X to attack schools that won’t show Australia’s World Cup clash with Paraguay, saying he has heard from parents of children who are being turned away from watching Tony Popovic’s side. The match in San Francisco is crucial for finish
Robbie Slater has fired off a fresh burst of anger at teachers across Australia after learning that some schools plan to block students from watching the Socceroos’ vital World Cup match against Paraguay.
The former Australia player. 61. says he has received messages from parents of schoolchildren who are frustrated that the game won’t be shown. Slater posted on X that he is “receiving messages saying that certain schools won’t show the game because the teachers aren’t into soccer!” He added: “Disgraceful it’s Australia!. It’s not about which code you support!”.
Slater’s blast landed as Tony Popovic’s men were underway in San Francisco ahead of their final group stage match, where the stakes are immediate. Against Paraguay, Australia must either win or draw to finish second in its group and secure a guaranteed spot in the knockout stages.
If Australia lose, Slater’s message hits closer to home for many watching around the country—because the Socceroos would then need other results to fall correctly to finish as one of the eight best-performing third place teams.
The reaction online was swift, with fans taking aim at educators and backing Slater’s stance. One person compared it to refusing to show another major sports event. writing: “That’s like not showing Olympic swimming final because you don’t follow swimming as sport!” Another added a blunt line referencing Bob Hawke: “In the words of the great Bob Hawke – Any boss or teacher who doesn’t let their employees or students watch the @Socceroos today is a bum. ” while a separate commenter said their own household is different—writing: “My wife is a teacher. and they have the big projector in the hall showing the game. GET AROUND THE LADS.”.
On the field. Australia will be led by Nestory Irankunda as the team goes into San Francisco looking to control its fate. Slater played 28 matches for the Socceroos across the late 1980s and 1990s and also enjoyed several seasons as an EPL player. lending weight to his public push for classrooms to get behind the moment.
For Australia’s players, including Irankunda, the match is about securing the next step of the tournament. For the students Slater says are being denied access, it’s about something simpler—seeing the national side take the pitch when the outcome can decide everything.
Robbie Slater Socceroos Paraguay World Cup Tony Popovic San Francisco Nestory Irankunda teachers schools Australia
Teachers blocking it is wild. Like it’s literally Australia day lol
How are they allowed to just not show it? Seems like they’re taking it too personal. My kid would lose his mind if they didn’t
Wait so they’re blocking it because teachers don’t like soccer? That sounds backwards though like schools don’t usually care what sport it is, it’s just a TV in the hall. Unless there’s some rules about rights or whatever… but the article makes it sound super simple
This guy Slater is acting like every teacher is a villain. Also can we talk about why it’s always adults getting mad instead of just letting the kids watch? I swear I saw something where it was the network not the schools anyway. If they really want it shown they’ll find a way like projector squad or whatever.