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If there was any proof that there was complete arrogance from Football Federation Australia’s CEO David Gallop then an article published by the Sydney Morning Herald proves it.
“What would that [working with the AFL] entail? At the end of the day, we are in a competitive environment,” Gallop said.
“We want people to choose our game to play and watch.”
So let me get this straight, David Gallop. You want people only caring about the A-League?
I know that might not be what you meant but that is what the statement entails to me. If that was your true intention, then that disgusts me.
If you think anyone should just care about football then you are totally and utterly wrong. I watch football (EPL), ice hockey (NHL), basketball (NBA), baseball (MLB), american football (NFL), rugby union (Super Rugby and NRC), Australian rules, tennis and rugby league (NRL).
If you are suggesting I shouldn’t watch any of those leagues other than the EPL then I strongly suggest you resign from sports entirely or stop making statements because this isn’t the only dumb statement you have made.
In 2011, when Melbourne Storm fans booed you after presenting the minor premiership to them, you similarly provocative comments.
“They were involved in large systematic cheating, and those people who booed me yesterday obviously support the cheating that was going on,” he said.
The interviewer then states he can’t be serious and that it was born from passion, after this Gallop said by far the dumbest statement in Australian sports history.
“I never really go for that whole passion line. I mean, terrorists are passionate about what they do and, you know, that doesn’t make it right.”
Then the interviewer says that with all due respect that’s the worst analogy he’s heard in his life, and Gallop tries to defend himself by saying that it was topical at the time (because this was just after September 11) before making it worse.
“Passion is a bad excuse and it gets used too much in sport. Passion isn’t something that is an excuse for poor behaviour,” he said.
Let me ask you something David. Why then would you become the CEO of a sport where supporters are more passionate? If you want proof there were fights between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory and MVC fans before their game, which resulted in a threat by the FFA to deduct three points from both teams.
Just last week Victory fans made the following sign, in reference to Melbourne City.
“Change your name, change your colours, this city will always be ours.”
So here are my suggestions, David. Don’t create enemies in other codes and if you don’t like passion then leave the FFA.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.