Rugby league star Christian Welch has accused Peter FitzSimons of hypocrisy over his stance on Australian golfer Cameron Smith signing with controversial LIV Golf.
Smith’s defection to the Saudi-backed golf tournament, headed by Greg Norman, was finally confirmed this week following months of speculation.
FitzSimons slammed the breakaway tournament in a recent Sydney Morning Herald column.
“Seriously, what does LIV bring to the table in this war, bar blood money?” he wrote.
The former rugby player turned author said LIV was a “different beast to the Super League and rugby wars”.
“In both (rugby) codes, the key matrix of victory was who could get the most superstars.”
But Welch, a Melbourne Storm prop, was quick to call FitzSimons out on social media.
“Same money funding LIV invested in Uber, Boeing and Starbucks. Are you complicit when you get a ride home or a cappuccino?” he wrote.
“How far does it go? I don’t recall the same outrage at those companies, but dare a golfer accept the cash offer.”
FitzSimons starred in an Uber Eats advertisement in 2018.
Welch posted a screenshot of FitzSimons from the television advertisement to Twitter, which attracted 64 retweets and more than 600 likes.
“Just trying to illustrate my point here ..it’s OK for you to profit (albeit indirectly) from the Saudi investment fund but not a golfer?”
Welch’s reply garnered support, with one Twitter user stating: “Where actually would he (FitzSimons) draw the line.”
But, not everyone agreed. 9 News reporter Mark Gottlieb wrote: “It’s like saying you can’t criticise America’s war in Afghanistan because you bought McDonald’s for lunch.”
Later Welch wrote: “ … sad to see all the hate. I think it’s a fascinating discussion, I like Fitzy and see his points.”
FitzSimons also responded with “brilliant”.
Smith, the world number two, is now the highest ranking PGA player to walk away and sign to LIV. He won the British Open in July.
Smith is also the first player inside the PGA Tour’s top 10 rankings to make the switch.
He joins Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau who had already signed to the LIV Golf Series.
The tournament has come under fire because it is backed by the Saudi Arabian government, despite the country’s horrendous human rights record.
It’s believed Smith will pocket $A140m from the deal.
Smith will play his first LIV event this week in Boston at The International Golf Club, with $A35 million up for grabs.
