Depending on your social circle, you either know the Red and Black Bloc as the greatest thing to happen to Australian football or the worst thing since Holger Osieck was appointed Socceroos boss.
They’ve adopted a new mantra, “Stand united, never divided”, but the RBB have well and truly divided opinion.
While active support was already well established through The Cove, Northern Terrace and so on, it was the sheer numbers and volume of the RBB that captured the attention of neutrals in western Sydney in 2012.
After a relatively smooth first season where adulation came in abundance, the attitude towards the group of passionate supporters has taken an unenviable turn.
Controversy has been offered up just as much as celebration this season, most recently following Sunday’s ‘silent protest’ during Wanderers’ defeat to Newcastle.
While scepticism raged about the motive behind the RBB’s defiance – with retaliation to sanctions handed down for the use of flares during last Wednesday’s Asian Champions League match the go-to assumption – the group set about clarifying what it was they were opposing.
In essence, a statement released by the group on Monday night suggested there has been unfair treatment of RBB members by police and security guards, a lack of support from the club in allowing banned fans to appeal, and the excessive use of widespread punishment for the actions of a few.
They present some valid points, particularly if reports of fans being assaulted by police and being incorrectly given bans are accurate.
Alas, there is also reason to suggest the RBB have failed to embrace and learn from their flaws. Case in point – the seven flares lit on Wednesday.
Granted, the general admission ticketing for the Ulsan Hyundai clash meant there was no way to police whether the culprits were RBB members, but the flares emanated from the section of core supporters – as identified by police – and it is hard to believe ‘seniors’ who were leading the boisterous crowd were unaware they were about to be ignited.
As the call has been so often, it was an instance where simple self-policing could have prevented catastrophe, particularly considering the stern warning and threats handed down to the Wanderers following events earlier in the season.
Instead, a fine of $5,000 for each flare is expected; quite a way for a ‘fan’ to treat their own club.
There is no case to answer for the use of flares and it was only right for the club to ban all paraphernalia: after all, they’re getting desperate when it comes to punishments.
The RBB is a brute force of active support even without flares and, given warnings weren’t heeded and flares are illegal, this is one instance where it’s advised to accept the blame.
It’s disappointing to see such a strong police presence at all games. I had a camera pointed in my face before one game this season and the most violent thing I’ve ever done is throw a pillow at the TV when ‘our Timmy’ was sent off in South Africa.
While it’s highly inconvenient, I’m innocent so have no reason to be afraid.
One way to get them off your back? Do the right thing. Repeatedly.
Wave your flags and banners (when they get reinstated), chant, go nuts – just do it within the realms of the law.
The police are there as a result of a number of precedents and, we can only hope, they will back away slowly if there is no sign of disruption.
Like it or not, the club still exists without the RBB, although it would be significantly less attractive. This doesn’t give the RBB a right of freedom, it means they have a greater responsibility to represent the club and ensure the few idiots who are tarnishing the brand and reputation are weeded out.
They do, however, deserve to be treated fairly. If the RBB must accept when they are wrong, so too must the FFA.
The struggle between Melbourne Victory’s Northern Terrace Collective (NTC) and their club this season isn’t purely coincidence; two supporters groups can’t hold similar frustrations for no reason at all.
Most of the NTC’s requests – including the removal of tarpaulins in the active area and not reducing the size of the active support – appear to be reasonable from the outside.
As the RBB suggest, punishments are oft delivered swiftly and without consideration of the bigger picture. As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, and there are switched-on people at the core of active support groups who have plenty to offer if given a chance.
We’re not talking about giving the casuals, ultras and Green Street Hooligan fanboys a chance to plead their case, it’s those who believe they have a genuine point to argue.
If they are guilty, fair enough, slap them with the rule book. Otherwise, potentially innocent fans are being taken out of the game.
The solution? Greater dialogue. How often have we heard that suggestion? Active groups deserve the right to convey their own ideas and grievances, with a fair compromise almost always a possibility.
It would be remiss to suggest clubs don’t care about their supporters, and current communication is offered through fan forums and meeting with a core group of active supporters. But there are plenty more steps to take to offer a mutual solution rather than clubs and bodies assuming the most viable outcome.
The RBB, clubs and the FFA all have their pitfalls; the sooner each can accept those, the sooner we can get back to making headlines for the right reasons.
In this case, you can’t fight fire with fire.
mahonjt
Guest
Despite your assurance that this is nothing like the NT - let me tell you, this is exactly where the NT were years ago. No MOU is going to fix it either. The NT had a Charter and all it did was make transparent the behavioural issues that occurred over the next two years - transparency that led to the club effectively tearing up the Charter and changing the way the NT is managed (although they waited until memberships were paid for). And now we have come full circle. The only thing that will save the NT and the RBB in the long run is for the majority of members, like you, to insist on moderate, disciplined leadership. I notice the NT claim to not even have leaders these days. I think we can all understand that tactic for what it is. Anyway - a big few days coming up in the criminal courts that will, I expect, send a powerful message to those confusing football fandom with some sort of political crusade from some busted ass, post-dictatorship republic.
Dismayed
Guest
So it's just a power struggle then? Simply a case of showing the power at their disposal to get their demands met by the club? Just to get more "dialogue". Seems like their provocative actions will get the reverse of what they are demanding. It ain't going to build any bridges.
Dismayed
Guest
If things weren't communicated until last minute, why did the protest have to proceed? They are a small organisation with a home game to worry about. Why did it have to escalate? Why didn't you wait to have dialogue with the club this week? The actions of the RBB, even the statement given out, does nothing to endear people to your cause. The anger and arrogance will turn people away because you are the sideshow, not the main game. Other active support groups have all been through similar issues and learned that the image of the whole is tarnished by the bad behaviour of the few. Other supporters and the media view the whole as the RBB. There is no distinction of individuals. It is not good enough to say that there are casuals doing this. As a group you have to repeatedly say that you are against it, and you have to prove you are against it. Take your medicine and reflect on the image you are projecting to the wider Australian community. Honestly, you've got a Premiership winning team coming second on the ladder. There is nothing significant to protest the club about unless it is something you have brought on yourselves as a collective.
ydoow
Guest
lol I understood what you were getting at and liked it... you attack the wrong person friend :)
Neil
Guest
I am a poorly skilled absent minded typist, I still prefer pen and paper. But hold on , there will be more mistakes to come.
Aethelbert
Guest
Wow, impressive that every WSW fan in existence was in Adelaide at the time, that's gotta be some sort if record or something. In denial.
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Oh look, another person with red and black goggles, eager to deny any bad thing WSW fans have ever done. So you're saying the entirity of AMOK were in Adelaide? Out of those 15 people, none of them were specifically targetting Sydney FC fans who are known to kick around in that park before games? Head, meet sand.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
I have been in the RBB for quite a while and to tell you the truth I am sick of it. I am sick of all the bullsh*t that goes with this supporters group. Where it was once about supporting the team it seems to me its all about the RBB. You will always notice statements like "We are the reason that the crowds grew", "We saved the A-league", "Active support is the reason why people go to games". What a load of hogwash. Next year I will gladly support my team from another part of the stadium, until that time I will just have to grit my teeth and bare it. For those who aren't aware there is continual dialogue between the club and the RBB. In fact I would go onto say that the club has been nothing short of brilliant in dealing with all our supporters. This situation is TOTALLY different to that of Melbourne Victory and the NT, although there are a few similarities. The WSW management have been very open to continued discussions, they have worked tirelessly to accommodate the requests of the RBB. The one area where everything falls down is the issue of flares. On this Issue the club wont and cant back down, I hope they never do. The RBB is very confrontational for whatever reason, discussions took place in regards to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU was basically a document outlining the basic standards of behaviour for the supporters group. Unfortunately the MoU wasn't signed as I believe there are some sticking points, but even so, the RBB has no intention of signing a MoU and thus make it binding. Normal supporters like you or I don't need an MoU to know what normal standards of behaviour are. The issue arose when an email was sent out and the language was such that the email mentioned that the RBB and the club had a MoU. They are upset because they never signed the MoU and the club insinuated they had. In any case we all know what normal standards of behaviour at a football match are, the RBB doesn't. We never signed an MoU, we dont have to adhere to normal standards of behaviour. The other thing I would like to mention is this, the RBB can very intimidating. They rely on bullying tactics to make sure supporters fall into line with their way of thinking. They will NEVER self police and turn in one of their own. You have to also understand even if you wanted to turn someone in the intimidatory nature of the RBB means that a lot of people will be too scared to "dob" someone in anyway. At some point you will more than likely have to confront those accused, so even if you were too anonymously provide information it is at some risk to your well being and one that is not worth the aggravation. Laslty the RBB is becoming tiresome. They are losing support rapidly both in the stands and in the RBB itself. The RBB is essentially controlled by a select few. These core supporters have been there from the start and will NEVER relinquish control of the group. While they believe they speak for the majority of our supporters and those in the Bloc, they dont. Public support for their actions has turned to an all time low. The amount of groans and mutterings of those in the stands grows ever more, words like "petulant", "childish" are becoming more and more frequent. It wont be long before those in the stands turns on them even more. Just wait and see.
leon
Guest
Facepalm. Fans were 2000 kilometres away from the alleged incident.
Peaches
Guest
I think you'll find the vast majority of RBB members are quite inclusive. We are normal people who just enjoy chanting at matches. There are some who are probably feeling a bit elitist at times. You just have to see away games in the past where non RBB regulars have joined in and felt very much like they belong. The RBB looks to involve the side stands in a few of it's chants so those that may feel like they are a better supporter, are definately in the minority. Overall it was a very fair balanced article. Dialogue between the clubs and supporter groups has to be better then what it is. The clubs can really use them as a selling point to casual fans about experiencing a gameday they would usually not. Both parties just need to be more mature then what they are. It seems both play victims too regularly. A balance in between what the two parties desire is realistic. It takes maturity and trust. I'm not saying it'll be easy but it takes being proactive rather then reactive.
leon
Guest
I'll be perfectly frank and say that I don't know. A more proactive relationship between the club and core might go some way to mitigating the issue. Institute a transparent review process re bans, and much of the animus from the supporters will be rendered obsolete. No where to hide then.
Peaches
Guest
There is a reason why you have heard nothing in that Herald story since. That group that was said to be involved in the attack was in Adelaide. If it was a person named, I dare say defamation charges would have been pursued.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
Have to take Fuss's side here. It's like dealing with mischievous children. Tell them NOT to do something, & lo & behold, they'll do it! Despite all the sound reasoning & advice that they shouldn't. The 'Chump' sign off insult is worthless.
Dl2136
Guest
As much as the clubs rely on active support, the active supporters rely on the non actives. Without the other three quarters of the crowd - mums, dads, kids, people who actually want to watch a game, you'd all just look likea bunch of tools yelling to no -one with your shirts off. Sure it's about the team, but none of you would bother if you were the only five hundred people in the ground. Grow up and stop alienating everybody if for nothing else than your future ability to stand behind the goals, take your shirts off and sing yourselves hoarse.
Allan
Guest
The idea behind that was to intimidate, and it worked a treat.
matthew_gently
Guest
That photo is incredible.
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Get your head out of the sand and the chip off your shoulder. The FFA and the police are more worried about incidents like this. http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/media_release_archive?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGMzYxNzkuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D And this one which I'm dead set angry over. http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers-fans-linked-to-attack-on-young-supporters-20140119-312xc.html If you want to continue with your "Woe is me" Attitude that's fine but until you get those red and black goggless off people will still see this type of behaviour, while you're childishly denying it.
leon
Guest
Can just imagine the shock of the Daily Tele/Herald Sun set when the FFA Cup rolls around.
CmonJets
Guest
Leon, what is the answer then to ensure it doesn't happen here?
Cpaaa
Guest
Who are we kidding? the RBB are “ULTRAS”, Another name for Ultras is “Active Groups or Active supporters”, but we cant call them Ultras because that somehow has a tarnished meaning in the land of OZ. Ultras/Active fans are not hooligans so do not confuse the two. The whole debate and opinions on flares is getting rather dull. Flares will exist in Football just like graffiti exists on walls, just like cars will exceed the speed limit. youth will always try to push the boundaries of a good time even if it means crossing the line, just wait till the FFA Cup starts. Australia has this thing, in sport, in business and in life. They need to iron all the flaws until its perfect. That can work sometimes but in Football you run the risk of burning the shirt. You then go and buy a new shirt only to repeat the same mistakes. While the AFL and NRL tinker with rules, the FFA tinker with crowd control. Can someone tell me as to which club has been flare free? I think ive seen orange smoke in every stadium where football is played. The RBB right now are creating the most noise, so the focus is off the other clubs. In Football bad things can happen. Recently in a La Liga match, a spectator threw a tear gas grenade on to the pitch, that’s right, a tear gas grenade. Players ran to the dressing rooms and parts of the stadium were evacuated. People, players everybody were not happy. The match was stopped for 20mins. The incident received a page in the paper the next day and that was that, back to football. If the worst that can happen in Australia is flares, then we are pretty lucky. This is football, and we will never iron out all the creases. As in life, its never perfect.