Piers Morgan labels Matildas statue proposal ‘a joke’

Outspoken television personality Piers Morgan has ignited a heated debate after branding the proposal for a statue honouring the Matildas as “a joke”.

As the Matildas’ awe-inspiring display at the 2023 World Cup continues to reverberate in the hearts of devoted fans, it was recently announced that plans are now underway to establish a lasting tribute that honours their remarkable achievements.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed her state will honour the team’s efforts with a statue outside Suncorp Stadium

Palaszczuk made the announcement on Sunday, August 20 during a special ceremony in which the Matildas were handed the keys to the city.

“As a lasting tribute to the 2023 Matildas, we will build a statue at Suncorp Stadium,” she said.

“There are plenty there, celebrating our male sporting champions, it’s time we celebrated women as well.

“You deserve your place amongst the greatest.”

The Matildas will join the likes of rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales who have already been immortalised with bronze statues outside the stadium.

While there were those who saw merit in recognising the Matildas’ efforts with a statue, Morgan had other ideas about the proposal, taking to Twitter to make his feelings known.

A statue for coming 4th?
Is this a joke? ???????? https://t.co/F5Yaln2xYn

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 21, 2023

In stark contrast to his previous tweets about the Matildas or even Meghan Markle, Morgan’s latest tirade received a chorus of support from followers with some labelling the idea of a statue “absolutely ridiculous”.

Is this a joke?

— Ori Pas (@OriPas2) August 22, 2023

Absolutely ridiculous right

— r0land0 (@r0land0__) August 22, 2023

The days when you get a medal for participation are here

— David Gasiunas (@thedavidgasun) August 21, 2023

Looks like 2nd, 3rd and 4th are worth celebrating ???? ????????????

— ₭ØⱠ???????????????? (@LisanKol) August 21, 2023

Well. @piersmorgan – on this, I’ll agree with you.

Country has gone mad ????‍♂️

Participation award in full swing apparently. ????‍♂️

— Mickamious (@MickamiousG) August 22, 2023

However, there were those who disagreed with Morgan’s stance with many highlighting the pride they have had instilled within the nation.

You clearly don’t understand the enormity of emotion the Matildas have brought to Australia ???????? It’s still a sport in its infancy here and those girls united this country. Your horrible and dismissive tweet says more about you than it ever will about Australians and the Matildas

— Queen Quokka (@QueenQuokka22) August 22, 2023

I was cheering them on. The pride Australians must have. They played their hearts out.

— RoyallyRealHousewives ????????❤️???????? (@team_giudice) August 22, 2023

As you say Piers,If you don’t win you’ll always be rememered as LOSERS,I think the @Lionesses would have something to say about that,They did us proud, And whats wrong with a statue to honour the Matildas and Australia for organising a great tournament,Its not all about winning

— stevie (@1Steviend) August 22, 2023

Morgan previously took another swipe at the Matildas with his unfiltered commentary on the recent World Cup semi-final match between Australia and England’s Lionesses.

Morgan, yet again, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the game, once again sparking a heated debate among fans.

The Matildas’ aspirations for World Cup glory were shattered as they endured a devastating defeat in the semi-finals against England.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, fans nationwide rallied behind the Matildas, showering them with praise for their courageous performance.

Morgan, however, took a different approach by dredging up our recent Ashes win over England and the controversy over “the Jonny Bairstow Ashes runout debacle”.

BREAKING: England’s fabulous @Lionesses crush Australia’s wilting Matildas 3-1 in their own back yard to reach the Women’s World Cup Final….
…. sweet revenge for the Jonny Bairstow Ashes runout debacle.
Congrats ladies- you’ve made your country proud! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/NrS2RcP6Vb

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 16, 2023

Many were quick to call out Morgan’s unsportsmanlike behaviour, some urging him to “give it a rest” while others highlighted the positive impact the Matildas have had on the game during their World Cup campaign.