The Sweet Spot

World News Australia's Robert Grasso analyses the week in sport. Follow @RobertGrasso
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Harry Kewell (File Getty)

Not cool to be Kewell

18 August 2010 | 16:20 | Source: SBS - Rob Grasso

The much-publicised stoush between former Socceroo Robbie Slater and current star Harry Kewell says as much about both men as it does the argument, writes SBS Sports presenter Rob Grasso.

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What was Harry thinking?

That was my immediate reaction upon witnessing the carnage unfold live on national television last night.

Just why did one of the most celebrated strikers in Socceroos history feel a need to get embroiled in a slanging match with media commentator, Robbie Slater over an article he wrote recently in the Sunday Telegraph.

So a former Socceroo thinks, at 31 you’re past it as a player and that a fellow senior squad member told you to f… off. 

So what? Ignore the criticism; just as countless other high profile professional footballers have done over the decades.

Surely after playing in two failed World Cup campaigns and taking the field at the Finals in two more, the Galatasaray forward would realize he doesn’t have to justify himself to anyone. Let alone someone taking a cheap shot at him in the nation’s press.

Rule number one of public relations. Never fuel a fire.

Kewell and his advisors should have known better than to take the bait and agree to a live interview. But no, instead of a fire extinguisher, we received a Molotov cocktail or two from Camp Kewell. Make that 1,000.

I’ve spoken to both men over the past decade on numerous occasions and found both amiable and level headed. But Tuesday night’s debacle was just plain embarrassing. For the men involved and for the game itself.

It was saddening to see and it was obvious Kewell was hurt by the criticism.

"When he writes something like a player told me to `F off' and saying that I was no value to the Socceroos any more, I find that a little bit harsh,” said the Socceroos striker.

If anything, a prepared media statement would have been far more beneficial and appropriate than for Harry to be dragged down to his attacker’s level in a live situation.

If Slater hoped to improve his credibility, he failed. If Kewell wanted to show he’s above the fray and unaffected by criticism, he also fell down.

As Harry may have correctly surmised, "The only circus created is one by him (Slater) and his mates and I'm ashamed by it.”

Unfortunately after last night’s tirade, the Barnum and Bailey parade looks set to continue over the coming days.

Welcome to the sideshow Holger Osieck.

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Your Comments

24 Aug 2010 10:11 AEST

mike c

From: melbourne

it had to be said

Harry has a fantastic following in Australia,and let me say,well deserved a great stalwart no question.however H was in the eye of the biggest event in the world albeit interest coming only from our corner about him.The fans and Pim were praying for a miracle,a player who is a terminal groin case coming to the rescue who hadnt played a game for 7 months prior to the finals.Witnessing H in a pair of undies cashing in on this scandalouse dissaster in the making pisssed a lot of people off.

Agree (1 people agree)
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23 Aug 2010 21:03 AEST

chefvalvasori

From: brunswick

Robbie slater is worthless

Read this robbie slater! You are from that generation of players that failed to accomplish anything for our national side( no offence to anyone who supports Harry on this) . Harry is a champion. You are a negative voice on the Australian game. Always have been, always will be. The word jealous springs to mind. Harry has every right to defend himself. If he has a bad game or two, then comment. He is still a 2 time world cup hero. 200% more experienced than you my old washed up pal.

Agree (2 people agree)
Disagree (1 people disagree)
 

19 Aug 2010 11:41 AEST

Sam Bocca

From: Artarmon

Robbie's right

I'm on Robbie Slater's side on this one. Harry (like so many other elite sportsmen who have enjoyed success) has become a precious liability.

Agree (3 people agree)
Disagree (7 people disagree)
 

19 Aug 2010 3:26 AEST

Ross

From: Germany

Nothing to prove | let it go..

Harry you have the score well on the board --and you've been a sensational contributor to the Socceroos. Robbie you are plainly looking for a rise and congratulations you got it - happy now

Agree (3 people agree)
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18 Aug 2010 22:38 AEST

Jacko

From: Harrrysville

Well Done Harry

oi Robert Grasso pull ya head in cobbler. 99% of us fully support what Harry said to that little twerp Slater. It takes guts to do what Harry did and well done for putting that twerp back in his place. Harry was the clear winner whilst Slater looked like a right git. Harry has been taking crap from this bloke and his sewer rat friends for years and its about time he stood up to them. Personally I think Harry should sue the arse of slater.. a lesson he won't forget.

Agree (4 people agree)
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18 Aug 2010 22:37 AEST

Andre Krueger

From: Germany

Dont listen to Slater

Its not the job of Mr.Slater to tell Kewell that his time is maybe over, also not on this way. Slater always needs to stay in the media, and he is doing everything for that. So look at his photos on his Facebook account, than you know what I mean. All come down, now there is a coach who knows whats to do.

Agree (1 people agree)
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18 Aug 2010 20:29 AEST

Honestly Speaking

From: Melbourne

Plain Jealous

Robbie Slater's achievements are only a shadow of Harry Kewell and he knows it and is plain jealous, mate! C'mon Robbie, you are stooping to gutter journalism and none of the Soccerroos will give you an interview ever. How's zat for work with Fox? You were not going to be remembered for much, now you will for all the wrong reasons.

Agree (4 people agree)
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18 Aug 2010 16:55 AEST

bruno

From: sydney

poor form

I agree Robert. You would have thought Kewell wouldn't give a toss what Slater thought buy maybe deep down inside he probably does think his best days are behind him. nice blog by the way

Agree (5 people agree)
Disagree (1 people disagree)