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Football in Australia thrives on energetic, enigmatic and enthusiastic fans, three words that depict the core supporter groups of each A-League club.
12 minutes and 12 seconds – symbolising the role of the 12th man – was also the time allocated by Adelaide United’s ‘Red Army’ supporter group to protest with defening silence against the overly aggressive treatment by security guards at Hindmarsh stadium and lack of support from the club.
Fan Phillip Rollas took to Facebook to vent his frustration. “(Fans) are treated with a prejudiced and heavy-handed approach by security for the most minuscule of things.
“Security guards confiscated Santa beards over the Christmas period and are accused of ejecting fans for trivial matters such as removing their shirts.
“Most activities, fans say, would barely raise an eyebrow at cricket matches or other A-League home grounds.”
Other supporters have taken their frustrations to fourfourtwo, the Adelaide United Facebook page and even Channel Seven.
These issues are starting to take toll on the loyal die-hard paying members who say it’s only a matter of time until they walk out.
The issue is with poor treatment to active supporters and how their loyal support is virtually being thrown back in their face.
The mainstream media have not been assisting either. A recent Channel Nine story led to a unified response from fans saying “Passion is not a crime”. This same statement applies to this issue as well.
Adelaide United, just a few days ago, put out a press release on their website. The message was clear as day to supporters. The club will support the efforts of ground staff to stamp out any disruptive behaviour and ensure other paying patrons an enjoyable time.
There was confusion though as club supporters have said fan bays are roped off, supporters are turned away from entering active support areas and bans are arbitrarily applied.
So what’s the issue?
Well it seems obvious to us but oblivious to those who are associated with Adelaide United. The issue is communication. If it isn’t sorted soon then there may be no avenue to communicate.
Since the A-League’s inception core supporter groups have been deemed the nucleus, life and blood of a club. Core supporter groups are vital to the continual growth of our fan-base as they add that spicy flavour that other Australian sports can’t on a regular basis.
It would seem as though the poison to our sport is the parochial mindset adopted by mainstream media outlets regarding football fans. Some blame also lies more broadly in society, specifically those who believe what they are told by these media sources.
Before a parochial mindset has been settled on, we must ensure these barriers are broken down. This will create a smoother transition for future growth and development of football.
Until this occurs it is an uphill battle and a long one at that.
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