Aust, cricket team ‘load of woofters’

Press, 18 February 1989, Page 8

Aust, cricket team ‘load of woofters’

NZPA-AAP London An Alice Springs magistrate, Denis Barritt, was only telling the truth when he took a swing at the Australian cricket team, the "Daily Express” said. “Of course Poms have known it here all along,” the paper added. “The Australian cricket team is a load of woofters.” The national tabloid lampooned the row between Mr Barritt, players, and the Australian Cricket Board over suggestions of, cricketers’ “homo-sexual-type behaviour” and “unmanly activities on the field.” “It’s about the worst thing you can call an Aussie,” the “Express” said referring to the homosexual tag.

What amused the newspaper so much

was the spotlight being turned on the fast bowler, Merv Hughes, as one “who’s been kissing more than most.” “He’s a real matey bloke even more macho than Rambo,” the “Express” said. “He’s fond of his beer, and a good swear and not a bad cricketer either. •- “Merv mania has swept Australia, and his fans have sprouted Merv moustaches.” The A.C.B.’s chief executive, David Richards, said the comments by Mr Barritt were clearly defamatory to each member of the Australian cricket team, and the matter had been referred to solicitors. “Unfair dinkum, mate, in other words,” the “Daily Express” said.