Their supporters may be thin on the ground in Riyadh but the Western Sydney Wanderers should get plenty of love from home with up to 2000 fans expected to cheer on their historic Asian Cup title bid in Parramatta.
A live viewing area will be set up at Parramatta’s Centenary square for the match against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Arabia capital on Sunday morning as the Wanderers attempt to become the first Australian team to win the title.
But attendees will have to brave an early start, with fans welcomed at 3:30am (AEDT) for a 3:50am (AEDT) kick off.
“With fans now being able to collectively share their support, I’m sure the energy and enthusiasm will make the event a memorable occasion,” Parramatta’s deputy lord mayor Steven Issa said.
“Our community in Western Sydney has passionately embraced the Wanderers with their continued support and enthusiasm at every game.
“We invite families from all over Sydney to come along and share their support for a hugely successful team that we should all be proud of.”
Alcohol will not be allowed and the square will have a police presence.
The free event could act as some consolation for almost 200 fans who had expressed interest in travelling to Saudi Arabia, only to be stopped by the oil state’s notoriously strict visa requirements and high travel costs.
Just thirteen men and one woman, who will have to travel with her father, will be at King Fahd Stadium to cheer the Wanderers on from stands full of 65,000 Saudis.
Al-Hilal will be looking to make the most of the home ground advantage after losing to the Wanderers 1-0 in the first leg of the final at the weekend.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Abbott should shirtfront the King. Diplomacy 101 right there.
albatross
Roar Pro
Our foreign minister should call in the Saudi ambassador and read him the riot act on the ridiculous restrictions placed on WSW fans traveling to Saudi Arabia and ask him to note the respectful way Al Hilal's fans were treated in Parramatta on Saturday night.