The Brisbane Lions have been compelled to remove a social media post that featured Lachie Neale's daughter, Piper, following criticism from her mother, Jules. This incident adds another chapter to the Neales' public separation, with Lachie's milestone 300th game creating what 7NEWS Brisbane's Georgie Chumbley described as an "awkward PR moment".
Milestone Game Turns Sour
Lachie Neale carried his four-year-old daughter Piper onto the MCG to run through the banner, a tradition for milestone matches. However, Piper was visibly overwhelmed and crying, burying her face into her father's shoulder as they ran onto the field. Earlier footage captured by the Lions showed that Piper was already anxious about the occasion.
"She wasn't lying," the club wrote in the post, adding the caption: "Our shy queen." Jules quickly responded in the comments, expressing her displeasure. "She's not shy," the concerned mother wrote. "She's scared and it's not funny."
Public Backlash and Post Removal
The comment garnered hundreds of likes before the Brisbane Lions decided to delete the entire post from their platforms. Chumbley noted that the incident raises questions about the way football clubs capture and share family moments. "It was meant to be a milestone celebration but it certainly ended in a bit of an awkward PR moment for the Brisbane Lions," she said.
The Lions lost Lachie's 300th game, with Melbourne securing a two-point victory. However, the reigning premiers bounced back to defeat Adelaide at home on Sunday. Jules and Lachie Neale separated during the off-season.
