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The story that stood out the most from the weekend’s sporting action came from Sydney FC and Western Sydney’s A-League showdown on Sunday. Unfortunately it wasn’t the result of what has been heralded as a cracking game that caught my eye.
Rather it was the actions of supporters, with one reported to have slapped 19-year-old Sydney FC player Aaron Calver in the face following the game’s conclusion.
What is more shocking is 3 Sydney FC supporters said to have been set upon by a group of 30 Wanderers supporters, sustaining injuries such as a broken leg and hand, all because they were wearing opposition colours.
If the A-League are hoping to attract new supporters and followers to the game this is not a good image.
Rugby league and union have their own image issues, but where they differ to football is that it is the conduct of the players that is hurting the game. The conduct of A-League players has been commendable to date, with no major scandals, however the same can’t be said for the supporters.
The supporters of both league and union as a whole know where to draw the line between banter/sledging and physical violence towards opposition supporters and players (mind you, you would have to be insane to slap Greg Inglis in the face).
It seems that despite the best efforts of the organisers, there is a group of supporters who are determined to import the grubbier parts of the world game to Australia, rather than create its own identity.
Whether it be the hostility of Glasgow between Celtic and the Rangers supporters, or the shameful racism shown by Chelsea supporters in Paris, A-League followers should ask themselves is this really the environment they want to create for Australian football?
If the A-League and its fans are serious about turning around the behaviour they will come down heavy on these supporters using ‘passion’ as a disguise for thuggery and intimidation.
A life ban would be a good start.
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