Off the PitchThe GuardianUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Irankunda: Hanson's Socceroos claim made 'us boys angry'
Socceroos forward Nestory Irankunda reveals the emotional impact of Pauline Hanson's monocultural comments during the World Cup.
N. Irankunda
player
Who
Nestory Irankunda
What
Criticized Pauline Hanson's comments
When
During this year's World Cup
Where
North America
What happened. Nestory Irankunda said Pauline Hanson's claim that the Socceroos represented a monocultural Australia made him and his teammates 'angry' and 'emotional'.
- Comments came after Australia beat Turkey in the group stage.
- Players upset because many young blokes look up to them.
- Irankunda is a forward for the Socceroos.
“made ‘us boys angry’”
— Nestory Irankunda
The controversy highlights the team's multicultural makeup and its significance to young fans.
In this story
More to read
Daily Mail Football
Fans stunned by Socceroos breakout star Nestory Irankunda's wild Michael Jackson dance video as he celebrates life-changing $26million move
The Guardian
Australia’s brightest young talents are on the move and it bodes well for the Socceroos | Jack Snape
Daily Mail Football
Socceroos breakout star Nestory Irankunda is set to become the most expensive Australian football player in history with move to club that spawned Ronaldo
