'Missing the point': Fans slam Shane Warne over 'selfish' stance on virus
Shane Warne has drawn the ire of fans after supporting Sam Newman’s protest against the ban on golf in Victoria.
Newman caused a stir on Thursday when he marched on Victorian parliament to demand answers as to why Victorians can’t play golf during the coronavirus crisis.
NOT GOOD: Michael Clarke cops brutal news on radio debut
‘BEAUTIFUL’: Indian star's bizarre call-out to Ellyse Perry
The former AFL Footy Show host dressed in his most colourful golf gear and slung his golf bag over his shoulder, asking for an audience with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Describing the ban on golf as ‘absolute nonsense’, Newman said in a series of videos posted to Twitter: “I’m going to respectfully ask him why in god’s name can’t we go on to a golf course, social distance, and play golf?
“I’m going to stand here for an hour or so and if he hears that I’m here, I’ll put a ball marker down.
“I’ve got a GPS for social distancing, and we’ll ask him - why in god’s name can’t Victorians play golf? So here we go.”
Warne was among a number of prominent names to voice their support for Newman’s stunt.
“Go on Sammy!!!!!!! I must admit, that you have a very good point,” Warne wrote in response to one of Newman’s videos.
“When I went to the supermarket a few days ago, there were 20 people in a confined space, plenty of room in the open space of a golf course.”
Go on Sammy !!!!!!! I must admit, that you have a very good piont - when I went to the supermarket a few days ago, there were 20 people in a confined space, plenty of room in the open space of a golf course ❤️ ! Agree with my friend @Origsmartassam ? https://t.co/Ik6SRKgDzz
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) April 16, 2020
However Warne’s stance sparked backlash from fans who called on the Aussie cricket legend to see the bigger picture, describing his tweet as ‘selfish’ and ‘missing the point’.
Missing the point. Stay home unless it's absolutely necessary. Going to the Supermarket is necessary, playing golf is not. It's not that hard to understand. FFS stay home and in 4 weeks we might ALL be allowed to go out again.
— Zac Boyd (@ZacBoyd) April 16, 2020
What would you say to those that have lost loved ones Shane? Why should I give up golf? It’s necessary to buy food to live. Giving up golf for a few months isn’t a big deal. Our cricket finals got canned. Did you fight for that?
— Rob (@Cpcc15) April 16, 2020
Let’s not forget the real victims in this crisis: retired sportsmen who are annoyed that they can’t spend their days off playing golf
— Martin Toner (@MartinTonerNYC) April 16, 2020
Get a grip Warnie
— Jordan Pascoe (@jordanpascoe8) April 16, 2020
Sure, people are dying, but won't someone please think of the precious retired sportsmen who can't hit a ball around. Oh! the humanity. #coronavirus
— ☪️ shayne_chester_Dip_FA (@shayne_chester) April 16, 2020
You're missing the point mate. The order is to stay home unless necessary.
If people can exercise at home they are encouraged to do that instead of walking around parks and ovals.
Closing sporting clubs forces people who believe they are above the law to actually stay home.— WadevsTheWorld (@wadevstheworld) April 16, 2020
Selfish tweet of the day goes to????
— Leigh Nesbitt (@nezoflincs) April 16, 2020
However there were plenty of other social media users who agreed with Newman and Warne.
All golf courses around Victoria have been closed as the state tries to battle the spread of coronavirus.
However the blanket closure has left Victorians fuming, especially after NSW decided to re-open courses to the public two weeks ago.
Courses in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania also remain open - albeit with strict social-distancing measures in place.
Eddie McGuire puts Sam Newman in his place
Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire isn’t on Newman and Warne’s side.
McGuire invited Newman on Triple M to discuss the topic on Friday, but was left frustrated when Newman continually insisted that golf was ‘the most cathartic thing’ anyone could do with society all but shut down due to the virus.
“We’ve nearly got this right. Sam, if you can leave the bag in the back of a car for another month, I reckon you’ll be playing,” McGuire said.
“Why don’t we just stick between the lines for a couple more weeks. It’s better than having to go to war or anything. Why don’t we just stick there and we’ll all get through it.
“The problem has been early in proceedings people wouldn’t sink into their thick skulls, and a lot of them into their thick, privileged skulls, that this was going to be something that could actually catch up and destroy not only lives, but our economy and our way of life.
“If you hang on for another couple of months and show the leadership in the community to tell people who are holed up in single bedroom apartments, who aren’t going to school, sometimes we all have to dig a bit deeper.”
