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.
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The only music that should be pre game on ANZAC Day is the bugle being played for one minute and everyone paying respect. A big fan of Birds of Tokyo and Adam Weston but they should be halftime entertainment or postgame entertainment. https://t.co/tw95lIsaAi
— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) April 19, 2019
Several media personalities also shared their disagreement with the decision.
It’s the somber and reflective atmosphere that makes ANZAC day special. We are there to remember.
— Shelley Ware (@ShelleyWare) April 19, 2019
— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) April 19, 2019
Poor call by headquarters this one
— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) April 19, 2019
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.
AFL is of the view over Birds of Tokyo kerfuffle it has often had Anzac Day acts before. Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, Dazza Braithwaite. Essendon knew BofT would sing half an hour before the game despite them saying they had no idea. Getting a public smacking but it’s not new
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) April 19, 2019
AFL unlikely to budge on this one, saying it’s not new to have music acts. Previous acts include Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano & Daryl Braithwaite.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) April 19, 2019
Birds of Tokyo due to play 30 minutes before the pre-game ANZAC Day ceremony. @FOXFOOTY
Regardless, it appears as though they will stick with their decision.
