The famously boisterous Barmy Army has shown a surprisingly thin skin, launching an official media boycott against The West Australian newspaper in a dramatic pre-Ashes stoush.
A Sook's Stoush: The Boycott Explained
On Friday, 21 November 2025, at Optus Stadium in Perth, the Barmy Army's managing director, Chris Millard, declined a direct interview request from The West. The newspaper was instead directed to a media manager who confirmed the group would “unfortunately” be boycotting the publication. The reason given was their belief that the paper’s coverage has been “unfair” towards the English cricket team in the lead-up to the highly anticipated first Ashes Test.
This move paints the self-described “fun-loving” English supporters in a new light, positioning them as a group unable to take the very banter they so famously dish out.
Fans and Pundits Weigh In on the Furore
The Barmy Army's stance puts them at odds with their own supporters who are embracing the traditional Ashes sledging. English fans Joe Rand and Jack Morris, who are experiencing Perth for the first time, told a different story.
“We expect nothing less, we go hard when the Australians tour back home,” Mr Rand said, adding, “If you dish it out, you have to be able to take it - that’s what its all about, no one means what they say.”
Mr Morris praised the Australian fans, saying, “It’s like being on tour with 50,000 of your mates but half of them support the wrong team.” He jovially added, “We’re all here for a good time as long as the Aussies don’t lose it when we wipe the floor on day one.”
Vaughan Applauds the Pre-Ashes Banter
In stark contrast to the Barmy Army's official position, former England captain Michael Vaughan declared The West Australian his “new favourite paper” on Thursday. Vaughan celebrated the viral coverage, stating it has helped build immense hype and “put a rocket under the blockbuster Ashes series.”
“I reckon it’s fantastic, it’s all a bit of fun, isn’t it?” Vaughan remarked. “We went through the front pages one by one and had a bit of a laugh.”
This division highlights a classic Ashes clash: between the official, media-managed side of the sport and the raw, unfiltered passion of the fans and former players who see the verbal sparring as an integral part of the contest.
