If there was any proof that there was complete arrogance from Football Federation Australia’s CEO David Gallop then an article published by the Sydney Morning Herald proves it.
“What would that [working with the AFL] entail? At the end of the day, we are in a competitive environment,” Gallop said.
“We want people to choose our game to play and watch.”
So let me get this straight, David Gallop. You want people only caring about the A-League?
I know that might not be what you meant but that is what the statement entails to me. If that was your true intention, then that disgusts me.
If you think anyone should just care about football then you are totally and utterly wrong. I watch football (EPL), ice hockey (NHL), basketball (NBA), baseball (MLB), american football (NFL), rugby union (Super Rugby and NRC), Australian rules, tennis and rugby league (NRL).
If you are suggesting I shouldn’t watch any of those leagues other than the EPL then I strongly suggest you resign from sports entirely or stop making statements because this isn’t the only dumb statement you have made.
In 2011, when Melbourne Storm fans booed you after presenting the minor premiership to them, you similarly provocative comments.
“They were involved in large systematic cheating, and those people who booed me yesterday obviously support the cheating that was going on,” he said.
The interviewer then states he can’t be serious and that it was born from passion, after this Gallop said by far the dumbest statement in Australian sports history.
“I never really go for that whole passion line. I mean, terrorists are passionate about what they do and, you know, that doesn’t make it right.”
Then the interviewer says that with all due respect that’s the worst analogy he’s heard in his life, and Gallop tries to defend himself by saying that it was topical at the time (because this was just after September 11) before making it worse.
“Passion is a bad excuse and it gets used too much in sport. Passion isn’t something that is an excuse for poor behaviour,” he said.
Let me ask you something David. Why then would you become the CEO of a sport where supporters are more passionate? If you want proof there were fights between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory and MVC fans before their game, which resulted in a threat by the FFA to deduct three points from both teams.
Just last week Victory fans made the following sign, in reference to Melbourne City.
“Change your name, change your colours, this city will always be ours.”
So here are my suggestions, David. Don’t create enemies in other codes and if you don’t like passion then leave the FFA.
Numbers Game
Guest
Try thinking 400 million players worldwide & 1.2 million in Oz , we are richer than most countries so OS players feed the A- league.. For me that's put it ahead of the other codes Are you seriously comparing the top 100 football plyers with the top 100 AFL plyers good lord!! No, I think we can agree football lives in a different world re player Quality
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
What gallop is doing better is being consistently vocal and positive about the A-League. Every time the A-League has a good moment, be it a big crowd, and an ACL Cup win, Gallop talks up the sport. That's his job. All Clubs have their salary cap covered. All clubs, (except the Nix) are on steady ground regardless of their situation (Jets & CCM) - that's something no club has been on since 2005.
Ty
Roar Rookie
Ok. I'll attempt to explain. I wrote it because I wished to provide a response the comments made by David Gallop.
jack maynne
Guest
this article is completely obscure i do not understand why you wrote this please tell me what you man?????
mattq
Guest
"unless it’s basketball where you just need to pluck out the 7 footer freaks of nature!!" pretty sure this is an AFL recruitment strategy also, Perry.
The Minister
Guest
Ok Mods.... I'll be good.
Ty
Roar Rookie
It's fine. Leonardo's comment was the only one which I don't believe was criticism. It was a mere Personal Attack.
Perry Bridge
Guest
agreed. Leonardo is overly aggressive and personal. And way off the mark.
Arvind
Guest
Ty: sorry if I made a few snide comments but historically main stream media does not have a good record promoting the World Game. So we take our responsibilities seriously when we see a article that has errors need correcting. But I would have been extremely proud to have written this article when I was 14 years old.
Arvind
Guest
Suppository of all articles!
Arvind
Guest
Can you smell fear in the air?
Mike
Roar Guru
His statements are the same that any CEO would deliver. It's not so different to Microsoft Vs Apple, or any other duopolies. The corporate world is fierce, and companies will gain nothing from playing the peaceful card. Just look at the Greens Vs Liberal and Labour.
The Minister
Guest
What a loser of the highest order! Leonardo you sad piece of trash.... Next time I see you commenting on SFC you'll be getting a serve.
conchie
Roar Rookie
Why is this clown Leonardo not moderated out of existence, real piece of nasty work.
Ty
Roar Rookie
In all honesty. Your right. I mean clearly if FOX Sports is covering Every Game Live he must be doing something right. I don't hate him in this role. He seems far better as CEO of FFA and Then making a successful knockout cup. All that's necessary is to convince New Zealand to move to the AFC. Then Wellington Phoenix can play in the AFC Champions League.
Ty
Roar Rookie
I will make this clear. I have not once been to the AFL Media Department. If you read earlier comments you should've disscerned in a student. Either way. I am independent. Advised by no-one. If you had checked my profile I state that all opinions are of my own.
MarkfromCroydon
Guest
Pure gold, made me chuckle
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Well, he's p*ssing off all the football haters, who are crawling out from under their rocks to talk about football. He's got the whole of Australia talking about The Game. Buckley was like a church mouse, had virtually no media presence &, when he did front the media, he was an embarrassment.
Stalingrad
Guest
What has Gallop actually done since he got there, Ben Buckley put everything you see today in place. He is just a conservative operator, there won't be any expansion with this RL head. Time he went!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Perry Bridge Let's be honest, the bottom 8 teams in every AFL competition are absolutely garbage. If the AFL hadn't introduced 2 new teams a few years ago, 80 players who are currently considered "world's best" would be running around in the semi-professional leagues.