‘They’re all Australians’: Backlash erupts over politicisation of Socceroos star

Broadcaster Lucy Zelic believes attempts to weaponise Nestory Irankunda’s achievements for political gain completely miss the point.

“I think one of the most disappointing things has been, in the context of this One Nation discussion, that people have tried to weaponise, say, a goal scorer like Nestory Irankunda scoring for his country wearing the green and gold,” Ms Zelic told Sky News host Paul Murray.

“There is nothing more special and honourable than that and standing up there and singing the anthem.

“All of those men, the 26 men that have been called up to this squad and gone over there, are Australian regardless of their skin colour and their race; the only ones choosing to make it about their skin colour and their race are the left.

“Where’s the One Nation policy or principle or even soundbite where she says I’ve got an issue with people from here, or you’re not welcome in this country.

“She has always made it clear that if you come here and assimilate, love our way of life, learn the language and adapt to our values, you are welcome.

“To weaponise it now, all that it says to me is that they’re using it as a tool for politics and not for their own purpose.”