Australian football great Craig Foster has sparked a social media storm after turning down an invitation to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla this month.

The King and Queen will be in Australia from October 18 for a quick five-day trip that will also take in the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ.

Foster was sent an official invitation to that event from premier Chris Minns and Minns’ wife Anna.

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But on Saturday morning he declined the offer, and went public with his reasons behind the rejection.

“Thanks Anna and Chris Minns, But, no thanks,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).

“I look forward to being ‘in the presence of’ our first Aussie Head of State. When we put our big pants on, as a country.”

Since retiring from football, the former Socceroos star has become an outspoken voice on many social issues, including the environment and human rights.

Former Victorian Labor MP Philip Dalidakis was one of many to be incensed by Foster’s public stance.

“What a self indulgent little child you are, Craig Foster,” Dalidakis said.

“Firstly to big note yourself by showing everyone you were invited to the State’s community reception for the King. Hopefully they don’t make that mistake again.

“Secondly to share the invite publicly & embarrass Chris Minns & Mrs Minns by refusing the invite.

“Thirdly, whatever you think of Charles & the monarchy, he is still deserving of respect for the work he does and the causes he champions. I too am an Australian Republic supporter and look forward to the day we have our own head of state, but until (then) try to show a little bit of class.”

Many a monarchist were also outraged.

“You can give me your invitation Craig, I’ll gratefully take your place. In all honesty Craig, if you hate the system of the Crown, the Monarchy and Constitutional Monarchy that has served Australia so well, how about you give up your AM?” one said.

While another said: “Name a single person who we could all agree on as a head of state. We’d pick a pop star. He’s a great King. Show a bit of humility and go.”

But Foster did have his supporters, too.

“Regardless of Charles’s ‘greatness’ or otherwise, he is not Australian, does not live here and should not be our Head of State,” one person said.

While another said: “I think KC3 should be the one demonstrating humility – he is supposed to be a servant of the people. We have many people in Australia living lives of dignity, without the scandal, to serve in the role.”