Franklin labels Mundine’s national anthem boycott call ‘stupid’

Former champion boxer and NRL player Anthony Mundine yesterday called on players in the AFL and NRL Grand Finals to boycott the national anthem in support of indigenous Australians.

Mundine's calls are inspired by NFL players, namely, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, kneeling during the US anthem rather than standing to protest against racial inequality and injustice in the United States.

Sydney superstar Lance Franklin was asked on Friday what he thought of the calls to boycott the anthem and he was scathing of Mundne's suggestion.

“First I’ve heard of it,” Franklin said. “Personally I think it’s pretty stupid really, it’s the Australian national anthem, it’s a part of our sport, our history.”

“Been saying this for years!” Mundine wrote on a Facebook post on Thursday, while sharing the following video.

“The anthem was written in late 1700s where blackfullas (sic) were considered fauna (animals) advance Australia fair as in white not fair as in fair go," Mundien went on to say.

“All players aboriginal & non aboriginal should boycott the anthem & start changing Australia’s ignorant mentality...lets move forward together yo.”