Home

Federal election 2022: Scott Morrison bowls over schoolkid during game of soccer in Tasmania

Peter LawThe West Australian
CommentsComments
VideoPM Scott Morrison has toppled over a child while playing soccer on the campaign trail in Tasmania.

Scott Morrison has taken a tumble on the election campaign trail while playing a friendly game of soccer in Tasmania, accidentally crash tackling a boy to the ground.

The Prime Minister was at Devonport City Strikers Soccer Club to make a funding announcement when he took off his suit jacket to join in training for the cameras.

It started well enough for the Liberal leader when he helped his “team” stop a few counter-attacks from their opponents.

CHECK OUT THE TUMBLE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

But when the PM decided to move himself up the field and into an attacking position it all went wrong very quickly.

Mr Morrison lost his footing - he was not wearing soccer boots - and stumbled into one of the boys, sending them both hurtling towards the ground.

The 54-year-old wrapped his arms around the child and turned the pair while mid-air to avoid crushing the youngster under his sizeable frame.

Scott Morrison has taken a tumble on the election campaign trail while playing a friendly game of soccer in Tasmania, accidentally crash tackling a boy to the ground.
Camera IconScott Morrison has taken a tumble on the election campaign trail while playing a friendly game of soccer in Tasmania, accidentally crash tackling a boy to the ground. Credit: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
The Prime Minister was at Devonport City Strikers Soccer Club to make a funding announcement when he took off his suit jacket to join in training for the cameras.
Camera IconThe Prime Minister was at Devonport City Strikers Soccer Club to make a funding announcement when he took off his suit jacket to join in training for the cameras. Credit: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
Prime Minister Scott Morrison high-fives a child which he accidentally knocked over.
Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison high-fives a child which he accidentally knocked over. Credit: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Neither was injured and they were soon back on their feet, while the crowd of onlookers — including the travelling media pack and Jenny Morrison - were left in hysterics.

The boy who was bulldozed by Mr Morrison, Luca Fauvette, was unharmed, apart from getting a hard time from his friends in the Under 8s team.

Afterwards the PM addressed the club and joked that he hoped the boy “hasn’t gone off to hospital”.

The incident comes just days after the PM described himself as a “bulldozer” and promised to change his leadership style if the government is re-elected on Saturday.

It was reminiscent of the time British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was London Mayor at the time, knocked a 10-year-old boy to the ground while playing touch rugby in Japan.

The PM was in Tasmania to announce a re-elected Coalition government would spend $3.5m to upgrade the club’s facilities.

“When that grandstand comes down I hear it needs a bit of a bulldozer to knock it down, so I might be able to help with that,” he joked.

The Prime Minister later spoke to Luca and his mum Ali on the phone to check-in on the youngster. “A shout out to Luca for being such a good sport.” Mr Morrison’s Facebook page said.

The club also took to Facebook, commending Luca’s commitment to the cause.

“Our club values are determination, effort and respect,” they wrote.

“We think Luca showed plenty of determination and effort to stop the PM scoring at all costs.

“The latest star of the election is ok and looking forward to being the star of the show at school tomorrow.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails