Hundreds of friends, family and members of the football community have said goodbye to SBS football legend Les Murray in a state funeral in Sydney.
Among the attendees to the service, at St Mary’s Cathedral, was NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid and former Socceroos including John Aloisi.
Labor figures including NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley, NSW Senator Sam Dastyari and former Labor senator Stephen Conroy are also among the mourners.
Members of the public were welcomed to attend the service, and all attendees encouraged to wear white to honour multiculturalism.
One of Australia’s most recognised and loved sporting identities, Murray died in July 31 after a long period of illness.
'His training starts today'
Ken Shipp, Director of SBS Sport paid tribute to his former colleague, saying most Australians thought of Murray when they thought of football.
“His colleagues at SBS were like his extended family. He mentored so many, like myself,” Mr Shipp said.
When Murray started at SBS as a Hungarian subtitler in 1980 it was the start of a passionate relationship, Mr Shipp added.
“Football, SBS, Les. This is no exaggeration: it changed the nation.”
“He was a true Aussie in his ability to trade barbs with his mates.”
Murray was always an advocate for refugees and a champion of multiculturalism, Mr Shipp said.
“As a refugee himself, he genuinely embodied and respected what SBS represents: he was passionate about our mission and our role in helping people understand each other better. He saw football as a vehicle in uniting people.
“While he was serious about football he never took himself seriously. No matter who you were you always got the same Les. I’ll miss his advice, his humour I’ll certainly miss him.
“I’ll miss my mate."
Mr Shipp said Murray was always asked why he never pursued a football career himself.
“He was saving it for his next life, playing of course with the Galácticos. His training starts today.”
Family members then placed flowers in a vase as a gesture of hope.
'Farewell should reenergise push for World Cup'
SBS commentator Craig Foster described Murray as a “football evangelist” and “missionary of the World Game”.
It took “great moral courage” to accept the battle to push football before the game was truly accepted in Australia, he added.
Murray “fought that battle for every immigrant”, Foster said.
"They could always turn to Les and feel a little more at ease that someone understood them.
“His pride in the game, and its community, in you, in us, was palpable.”
Foster also described Murray’s love of seeing Australia play and the heart ache when it did not end well.
“He was unquestionably one the world’s finest football broadcasters.
“And if his passing marks the end of an era of the two great champion of our game. This final farewell is a call to arms to the football community reinforce the dream.
“To win the ultimate prize, the FIFA World Cup. Male and female.
“We will fight and dream and believe until the mission is achieved. Les did his duty; that is ours.
“May he rest in peace knowing that his work will continue.”
Refugee advocate
Mourners are being asked to make donations to the UNHCR in lieu of floral tributes.
Murray came to Australia as a refugee from Hungary and was a dedicated advocate for refugees and multiculturalism.
In a family tribute video, Murray’s daughters Tania and Natalie spoke of their love for their father.
Tania described an L-shaped necklace she was given by her father, which embodied Murray’s values of learning loyalty and laughter.
“Our dad was each of these things,” she said.
Daughter Natalie said she learnt many things from her father including the importance of unity.
“Dad taught me to always treat everybody with kindness and respect. He believed in refuge and compassion,” she said.
“Thank you dad for your lessons and your love.”
