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A top footballer defended himself after he was broadcast touching his eight-year-old daughter’s chest at an LFC legends match in Australia .

Craig Foster, a former Crystal Palace player, was embroiled in a social media storm after footage was shared online.

Clips showed the 46-year-old repeatedly brushing his daughter’s upper chest as the national anthem was played, in front of a 40,000-strong crowd at the ANZ Stadium.

The footage sparked a massive response on Facebook and Twitter , with many reacting with shock to the now sports commentator’s actions.

The ex-Portsmouth and Adelaide City midfielder, who won 29 caps for Australia, wrote on Twitter: “Was very special for all the players to have our children share tonight’s experience as mascots. My beautiful 8 yo daughter. Unforgettable.”

He then added: “Shame my 16 yo girl and 18yo son couldn’t be there as well. I certainly would have hugged them very close too.

“Special for a father.”

Earlier he had told his 56,000 followers: “Thanks to all the 40,000 fans that turned out tonight for Legends game.

“To be young again. No muscle left intact but immensely enjoyable.”

The incident happened just before kick-off for the game which Liverpool Legends, featuring Luis Garcia, Ian Rush, John Aldridge and captained by Steven Gerrard went on to win 4-0.

One poster wrote: “I think most people are flat out shocked and not entirely sure how to react, to be honest.”

Medwen Phillips added: “Very uncomfortable to watch! If I was the mum i would storm over and give him a mouthful singing anthem or not!!”

Others sprang to Foster’s defence, with one saying: “Can’t be affectionate toward your own kid any more. Everyone who thinks this is wrong is actually perverted for thinking such a thing.”

Another, Terri Dennis, added: “It’s probably his daughter, lots of the players were being affectionate, kissing the kids.”

Foster began his playing career in Sydney in the late 1980s, and moved to the UK at the age of 28, joining Terry Venables at Portsmouth and then switching to Crystal Palace as a free agent.

He moved back to Australia to play until his retirement in 2003 and then moved into football TV analysis.