KEVIN Sheedy has defended his comments regarding multiculturalism in Australian sport as the winds of criticism aimed at the veteran coach ascend into a full-blown gale.

After just 5830 fans attended Greater Western Sydney's match against Adelaide on Sunday, Sheedy commented "we don't have the recruiting officer called the Immigration Department recruiting fans for the West Sydney Wanderers".

"We don't have that on our side," he added.

The comments have sparked heavy criticism, with suggestions the veteran coach is out of touch, doesn't understand the make-up of people in the western Sydney region and even that he is a racist.

The attacks are odd considering Sheedy has done tireless amounts of work to connect with all communities across Australia.

Sheedy suggested that football, or soccer, is a world game and the diverse population in the west of Sydney can often relate to that sport more readily than AFL.

That is something he would like to reverse as he attempts to build both the Giants' brand and the game of Australian football in the region and the 65-year-old has no regrets over the words he chose.

"I wouldn't know why there's backlash," Sheedy told reporters at a press conference convened in Sydney to respond to the controversy.

"I think most people would know that the program I've always set myself is to help people build Australia, always make people inclusive of being part of this great country when they come here.

"I think people may have taken the wrong point of view.
"When people ring you up about only 5,800 fans coming to watch a game and then you discuss it with the Wanderers' crowds, when you say the Immigration Department is one of the best recruiting agencies for soccer, I didn't mean anything untoward by that, but it's a fact.

"As a matter of fact two weeks ago I was at the immigration centre in Canberra to find out the numbers so that we actually invite all the nations that come to live in Australia to create a game against Melbourne later in the year.

"I think it's a great opportunity that when people do come into the west of Sydney, they can meet our club as well as any other sport."

Sheedy was referring to his side's round 19 match-up with the Demons at Skoda Stadium, which he hopes to coin the 'Diversity Game'.

The four-time premiership coach recently dined with 25 Ambassadors to Australia, who he hopes to bring to the match along with 100 of their guests.

While the concept of a diversity game appeared reactionary to the controversy, the club insists planning on the idea has been underway for some time.

And Sheedy believes his track record clearly identifies his approach towards multiculturalism.

"Twitter is a fantastic individual thing that fan bases and people in general can actually use to connect," he said.

"There's no problem with that.

"But I think most people would know where I come from.

"Historically I'll stand the test of time anywhere because I've actually got off my backside and moved around Australia to find out where we do connect with people who have come to live here and help build this country.

"A racist is a pretty broad term, but people have their opinions. Our job is to get out there and get on the front foot.

"Not to hurt anybody's feelings, but in regards to any comment like that, I think certain people get a bit touchy on certain things."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD