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Saturday night’s Melbourne derby in front of over 41,000 football fans was marred by scenes reminiscent of old National Soccer League (NSL) crowds of years gone by.
However, how much of the so called football hooliganism can be attributed to football itself?
In my experience as a seven-year Melbourne victory member, I have found the majority of the anti-social behaviour or football hooliganism is from a younger demographic.
I would argue there is a mentality among 16 to 20-year-old males that legitimises and accepts vandalism at a football match.
Instead of breaking a bus shelter window, we will destroy 170 seats at Etihad Stadium and steal Dad’s flare gun from his boat and let one off at the game.
Mob mentality is a powerful beast and when mixed with animosity among juvenile delinquents, it becomes a dangerous cocktail.
Causing havoc among many and with minimal risk of being caught gives these offenders an adrenaline fix.
The key issue for authorities is to decipher between real football fans and hooligans.
In many cases I don’t see how the two are related.
The action that needs to be taken is the exclusion of individuals from the mob, with the authorities coming down heavily on those bringing the game into disrepute.
There seems to be a connection between some minority groups and an association with the heritage of the old country.
Such behaviour does nothing for our game nor does it create our own football identity.
I partly see our own game as somewhat wet behind the ears on certain subjects.
That however is not intended to be a criticism. The a league is still very much in its infancy, as is the management and direction of the league.
FFA CEO David Gallop and head of the a league Damien De Bohun need to take the AFL’s CEO Andrew Demetriou’s stance.
By being a public figure and one of the most recognisable figures in Victoria, he rules with a no tolerance approach.
He very much deals with issues on the front foot, something the FFA could take note from.
I would like the FFA and the clubs to adopt the following measures.
The first is no tolerance on flares. Those caught possessing or letting off a flare will be banned from attending A-League games for five years and have their membership (if applicable) revoked. They should also be charged a $5000 fine.
Secondly, the club must be forced to pay $5000 for every flare that has been let off.
The proceeds of this can go to grass roots football clubs or a charity.
Thirdly, club supporter groups will have certain privileges suspended or areas left vacant or with a reduced capacity in active areas.
Some may feel these actions are too severe, or not severe enough. What is important is the safety of the public attending the games, the reputation and integrity of the game, and the economical viability of the clubs.
Football is the greatest game in the world, however it has to start getting onto the front foot and being proactive, otherwise the detractors and haters of the game will get what they love, which is controversy on the front page.
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