The story that stood out the most from the weekend’s sporting action came from Sydney FC and Western Sydney’s A-League showdown on Sunday. Unfortunately it wasn’t the result of what has been heralded as a cracking game that caught my eye.
Rather it was the actions of supporters, with one reported to have slapped 19-year-old Sydney FC player Aaron Calver in the face following the game’s conclusion.
What is more shocking is 3 Sydney FC supporters said to have been set upon by a group of 30 Wanderers supporters, sustaining injuries such as a broken leg and hand, all because they were wearing opposition colours.
If the A-League are hoping to attract new supporters and followers to the game this is not a good image.
Rugby league and union have their own image issues, but where they differ to football is that it is the conduct of the players that is hurting the game. The conduct of A-League players has been commendable to date, with no major scandals, however the same can’t be said for the supporters.
The supporters of both league and union as a whole know where to draw the line between banter/sledging and physical violence towards opposition supporters and players (mind you, you would have to be insane to slap Greg Inglis in the face).
It seems that despite the best efforts of the organisers, there is a group of supporters who are determined to import the grubbier parts of the world game to Australia, rather than create its own identity.
Whether it be the hostility of Glasgow between Celtic and the Rangers supporters, or the shameful racism shown by Chelsea supporters in Paris, A-League followers should ask themselves is this really the environment they want to create for Australian football?
If the A-League and its fans are serious about turning around the behaviour they will come down heavy on these supporters using ‘passion’ as a disguise for thuggery and intimidation.
A life ban would be a good start.
Josh
Guest
It appears Brick isn't aware of the Melbourne Heart fans incident, or the Melbourne Victory fans incident. Open your eyes.
Josh
Guest
I just told you why needles and you still thought it necessary to comment. If only you had been around a few years ago you could have earned a contract with jim henson for that post.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Any more? You've been busy. But, I agree, they're all shameful, no matter which brand of football they choose to pollute.
Bfc
Guest
Alas...it appears 'common decency' is not so common these days. For heavens sake...as others have noted, it is just a game! Am going to watch both the Reds v Tahs rugby game and the Roar v WSW football game...both at Suncorp, and though I hope the 'home' supporters are the majority, I hope the away supporters feel safe and comfortable showing up in their team colours. It would be bloody boring if only one side showed up...
Stadia Cooperoz
Guest
With respect that story should have been massive, nationwide and ongoing. The infamous and overstated Edensor Park riot a few years back was all over the place. The defence that well it wasn't at the Origin game itself or they just happened to be wearing the kits has never got soccer football off the hook. Its a tragedy because somebody died and therefore it can't be just dismissed. I struggled to convince several people over the next day or two that the event took place at all. As we've seen with several sad incidents (David Hookes for one) king hits can have consequences when altercations get out of hand but this was a shooting, which implies a level of intent to do serious damage. The way this story barely limped into the spotlight and then vanished like Dobby the house elf is a telling statement about the way the media works in this country.
Post hoc
Guest
Plus you had to have a dig about the 3 points LOL, but I liked your post
ciudadmarron
Guest
There was another one near Richmond Station which I can't seem to find, but here's a few more isolated incidents. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/footy-thug-harley-raymond-banned-from-mcg-etihad-over-drunken-attack-after-match/story-fnat79vb-1226633428784 http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/shotgun-fired-at-pies-fan-20130801-2r2b8.html#ixzz2alpUsbMh http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/man-bashed-after-mcg-clash-20140509-zr78u.html http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/man-bashed-in-lift-at-footy/20120608-1zzph.html http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/scg-violence-claims-swans-fans-caused-concussion-20140629-3b25m.html Conclusions? Violence occurs everywhere. The details are often murky.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Ok Josh away fans are getting their heads kicked in every other week over here, without a single mention in print , footage on cctv or statements from police or the club for nearly 20 years. So either you are full of crap or the group you mention are the most organized hooligans this country has ever produced.
Josh
Guest
Wrong, guess again.
Josh
Guest
You might to run that statement by any visiting fans to Perth. Or just pretend it's not happening.
Bfc
Guest
Really...? Surely not...? Away fans can feel safe attending game at Suncorp Stadium. In fact even during the derbies (QLD vs NSW in the State of Origin and rugby union...) the blue coloured supporters are part of the atmosphere and SHOULD wear their team colours. And as far as I am aware, no member of the Den has felt compelled to physically confront an 'away' supporter...most are aware the game is all the better for the opposing passions. There simply is NO excuse...none, zero, zilch...whatever words you choose. No one deserves to be 'bashed' just because they support an opposing team. Criminal assault does not just warrant a lifetime ban..it warrants criminal sanction. The RBB and the WSW should disown this element ASAP......publicly and loudly.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Ah yes, an isolated incident outside a pub following a match attended by 95,000. So, what are the conclusions we are supposed to draw from that? Would the honourable member please answer the question.
Needles
Guest
Spot on Rocco. Boo hoo Western Sydney. Siege mentality of a 5 yr old.
Qantas support Australian Football
Guest
And what club would that be? Only WSW....
chris
Guest
Every sport anywhere in the world has bad elements and can lead to violent incidents they are not only in football. Its that football is so big and powerful and played all over the planet that on any given day a journo somewhere can find a violent act associated with football. football leagues all over the planet have worked hard at weeding these elements out of the game. and to be honest this has been successful . FFA here will do the same no doubt. Football is a wonderful game enjoyed by billions and played by hundreds of millions.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Jupiter - I had to walk with a couple of Sydney fans (WSW fan myself) after a game to make sure they got home alright after being harassed by a group of WSW fans outside the stadium. I should not have to do this. Of course i was upset about the result but that doesnt mean that im going to go and belt the opposition fan for it. Some people that follow sports go just for the reason of causing trouble, they see supporting a team and beating up rival fans as justification because "they're the enemy". Its disgusting
Bill
Guest
The term can be easily ignored and simply shrugged off as the desperate bleatings of Football's hypocritical enemies in both the media and rival sports!
AR
Guest
Ok, on that front I can understand your point.
ciudadmarron
Guest
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/football-fans-taken-to-hospital-after-brawl-leaving-richmond-and-carlton-clash/story-fnii5smp-1226714839147
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Wow they have a banner, yes Josh there was/is a supporter group called Avanti linked with Perth Glory but what is your point exactly? You are aware that there are groups out there that even though they may wear the stereotypical clobber , do not actually go out and clobber people.