If soccer in Australia was built on the back of migrant communities, Hakeem al-Araibi's story should be a chance to start a conversation about the treatment of refugees within our borders.
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That is the view of Canberra City Soccer Club's Oliver Caruana-Brown, who is using an FFA Cup clash to kickstart a reflection about how Australia treats refugees.
Canberra City will pose with banners bearing message of support for al-Araibi and Football Federation Australia before their knockout game with Weston Molonglo at Hawker Football Centre on Saturday.
Al-Araibi was detained in Thailand despite having refugee status in Australia, but he was released following a widespread campaign to and recently gained Australian citizenship.
The banners will read "Canberra Football Welcomes Hakeem", "Thank you FFA for backing Hakeem", and "Community Football Backs Refugees".
Caruana-Brown says al-Araibi's story transcends one man - it is a story of the "shocking" way Australia treats refugees under its protection, and what can be done when the community backs a cause.
"Being the son of a Maltese migrant, from my mother’s stories, and my uncle’s and aunty’s, they know what it’s like to be excluded in Australian society," Caruana-Brown said.
"Reflecting on our history can help us to think critically about how we treat refugees in this country. We’re just trying to change some minds in the community.
"We wanted to show support and get the community thinking about refugee issues in Australia more broadly. The difference in the support Hakeem received, in contrast to the way we treat refugees detained on Manus, Nauru and other detention centres, it’s a stark contrast.
"We’re trying to draw those two things together."
Canberra City are hoping to have Weston Molongo, Wagga City Wanderers and Canberra White Eagles join the movement which has been approved by Capital Football.
Caruana-Brown believes soccer in Australia has been built on the backs of migrant and refugee communities, and without them the game would not be where it is in this country today.
