The Matildas' World Cup win released Sam Kerr's anger and this is why

[Ntgthegamer]

After Payne's improbable triumph at the 2015 Melbourne Cup, the jockey famously told those who had doubted her because she was a woman to "get stuffed". In 2019, after the so-called "miracle of Montepellier", Matildas captain Sam Kerr had a similarly blunt assessment for Matildas "haters": "There was [sic] a lot of critics talking about us, but we're back, so suck on that one!"

Staring down the barrel
But while Payne had spoken openly about the "chauvinistic" nature of horse racing before uttering those defiant words, for Kerr the link to gender inequality was more oblique. Many assumed that Kerr was referring to ongoing criticism of the team in the wake of the FFA's controversial choice to sack former coach Alan Stajcic, a decision remarkable for its ability to make headlines months later, despite the players' and others' firm assertions that they have moved on. Indeed, as recently as last week, Chip Le Grand continued to argue that a "destructive, gender-based campaign" had been the reason for Stajcic's departure, while the slur "lesbian mafia" was repeated in reference to a group of "influential" women Le Grand blamed for Stajcic's demise. Kerr had apparently had a gutful, and the 3-2, backs-against-the-wall defeat of fearsome opponents Brazil opened the floodgates for the captain to stare down the barrel at those intent on continuing to derail the Matildas' quest for glory in France.

A more sinister reference
But while Kerr may indeed have been referencing ongoing criticism around Stajcic's removal, there was another, more sinister layer to her reference to "hate". By Friday, the Australian striker was forced again onto the back foot after a chorus of critique at her apparent "immaturity". As one prominent example, Canberra United coach and Matildas champion Heather Garriock said she was "disappointed" by the Australian striker's choice of words, attesting that they came "from a bitter place" and were not "humble". Another former Matilda, Cheryl Salisbury, appeared to agree, saying she "would've chosen a few different words", while ex-Socceroos captain Mark Schwarzer mused that the Matildas were unused to the level of critique that came from the spotlight of international interest and coverage in the wake of the growing profile of women's soccer.