Andrew Symonds weighs in after Sam Kerr's brutal hit on pitch invader

When it comes to iconic pitch invader moments in Australian sport, former cricketer Andrew Symonds is right at the top of the list.

Now the Aussie cricket great has welcomed football superstar Sam Kerr to the club after the Matildas skipper captured the world's attention with a moment that will cement her place in Aussie sporting folklore.

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Fresh from a goal brace that helped Chelsea win the Women's FA Cup trophy, Kerr was in action for the Blues against Juventus in the Champions League when a young man ran onto the field in an attempt to get a photo with Juve's Magda Eriksson.

Kerr, who was standing near Eriksson on the pitch, wasn't about to let the pitch invader get any closer and dropped her shoulder into him as he ran past.

The pitch invader dropped to the deck like a sack of potatoes in a moment that saw Kerr become a cult hero around the world, despite the fact she was handed a yellow card by the referee.

Symonds - who famously put a streaker in his place in similar circumstances while playing for Australia in 2008 - said he was proud of the Matildas captain and insists that her iconic moment will also be talked about for years to come.

“We’re obviously bred pretty tough here in Australia and don’t take backwards steps,” Symonds said.

“In the heat of competition there’s a lot of adrenaline and when someone interrupts the match like that it can be frustrating.

“Sammy obviously took things into her own hands when security couldn’t catch the bloke, so good for her. She’s an icon and obviously knows how to handle herself. I’d like to buy her a beer and chat about it.

“I still get asked about my bump back in 2008 all the time.

“It’s one of those ones that keeps coming up and people love to talk about. It’s something I’m known for now, people say — ‘that’s the fella who knocked over the streaker.’

“Pitch invaders might think streaking across the field is funny but ultimately it’s just a lack of respect for the athletes.

“Not sure how she copped a yellow card for the bump. I’d like to see what rule she broke to be honest.

“My advice to her is just keep being herself. She seems passionate and is admired widely. If she wasn’t a cult figure already, she certainly will be now. Good for her.”

Chelsea manager demands better player protection

Kerr's incident led to Chelsea manager Emma Hayes demanding more protection for players to prevent similar things unfolding in the future.

"I don't know why he didn't just wait until the end. He could have had a photograph if he really wanted one," Hayes said.

"Jokes aside, you do have to think about player safety.

"We've seen in the growth of the game there is a sense that the players are more in demand.

"I think it should serve as a reminder to our stadiums and our stewards that we have to put player protection first."

It capped a frustrating match for Chelsea in the Champions League, who were unable to breach their Italian visitors - who are coached by former Arsenal boss, Australian Joe Montemurro.

The Blues, who failed to score for the first time this season, still top Group A - three points clear of Wolfsburg, who they meet on Matchday 6 on December 16, and Juventus while Servette are yet to get off the mark.

with AAP

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