sport news Socceroos fans online war over Aussies' behaviour during World Cup match ... trends now
A civil war has erupted between Australian supporters at the 2020 FIFA World Cup with fans calling out 'toxic' behaviour and abuse coming from Socceroos in Qatar.
Australia scored a stunning first goal against defending champions France in their opening match of Group D before being put to the sword in a humiliating 4-1 defeat.
As the French players poured in the goals, some supporters in the stands decided to pour on the abuse with sledging including personal attacks and horrible expletives around families and children trying to enjoy the game.
Craig Goodwin celebrates with teammates Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree and Aziz Behich after scoring their side's first goal against France
'I was so ashamed to be an Australian last night... ashamed that we were sitting near so many nasty, ignorant, toxic people representing our country,' one fan posted online.
'The booing of the French team and the insults and unbelievable aggression directed at my Australian friend's French brother in law, sitting amongst us, was atrocious. We were all there to enjoy the game.
'My friend's parents had also flown out from Australia and were so shocked at the comments. There were children listening in who also looked horrified. It's basically ruined the whole experience for all of us.'
Australian Socceroos fans clash with a man pretending to be a French supporter while they watch Australia play France in the FIFA World Cup, at Federation Square in Melbourne
Another fan was in the same part of the stadium and agreed the language used was shocking, especially targeting star winger Kylian Mbappe.
'I was sitting near your section too. I agree with you. Really toxic comments. The guy who was doing all the abusing used the c word about 100 times. All near kids. And the abuse Mbappe got. Singing 'who are ya'. He's a once in a generation player,' the fan posted.
The fan continued by saying the French fan did well to keep his composure in the face of horrendous abuse.
'The Australian habit of dropping the C bomb in mixed company is pathetic. Wouldn't have happened in my day. Almost like a badge of
