AFL criticised for booking Birds of Tokyo to play on Anzac Day

Sporting News

AFL criticised for booking Birds of Tokyo to play on Anzac Day image

The AFL is copping some heat for booking rock band Birds of Tokyo to play before the Anzac Day clash at the MCG on Thursday.

In a statement on Thursday, the AFL confirmed the Perth-based band would play three songs prior to the traditional pre-match ceremony.

Critics immediately pointed out that the act may take away from the solemnity of the occasion, with Magpies ruckman Mason Cox tweeting his opposition to the announcement.

MORE: North Melbourne v Essendon: Kangaroos whacked after 'embarrassing' first half


Several media personalities also shared their disagreement with the decision.

 


 



 

 

Collingwood and Essendon's annual match is the biggest home-and-away game of the year and regularly attracts a crowd of more than 90,000.

The Australian Army Band will also perform before the match, though it is the inclusion of Birds of Tokyo that is causing the issue.

Following the criticism, the AFL pointed out that other acts have played before the match in the past, including Darryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano and Ian Moss.



 

Regardless, it appears as though they will stick with their decision.

 

Sporting News

Sporting News Photo

The sports world explained. The Sporting News goes beyond the score to deliver the news, data, insights and entertainment that sports fans around the globe need to know.