A Fundamental Challenge Facing A-League Fans
The recent events that unfolded during both the Sydney Darby and the clash between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory have left a profoundly bitter taste in the mouths of Australian football fans. While our league has witnessed its fair share of highs and lows, the past few days have undeniably marked a dark chapter in the history of the game here in Australia.
Many of us, including myself, tuned in to popular fan group RBTV (Red and Black TV) and their podcast unwrapping the Darby on Monday night, only to be met with a sense of disgust and horror at the stories and events that unfolded during the game. The intensity and severity of the incidents witnessed were deeply troubling.
It’s important for those outside the A-League to understand that Australia is a diverse and multicultural country. Over many decades, people from various corners of the world have migrated here, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions. This rich tapestry of diversity has greatly enriched our society and, in the context of football, has allowed fans of different backgrounds to come together in support of their teams, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of unity and passion in Australian sport.
Take, for instance, the Western Sydney Wanderers, a team that epitomises the diversity of the region they represent. Situated in the western suburbs of Sydney, an area characterised by its multiculturalism, the Wanderers draw support from a vast array of communities, including those of European, South American, and Middle Eastern descent, among others. This melting pot of cultures is a testament to the inclusive nature of football and the power it holds to bring people together regardless of their backgrounds.
The RBB (Red and Black Bloc) and other active supporter groups like The Cove (Sydney FC) and The North Terrace (Melbourne Victory) play a pivotal role in showcasing the vibrant football culture seen around the world. Through their electrifying atmosphere and impressive tifos, they ignite a new wave of passionate and energised fans.
Viewers of the Sydney Derby were undoubtedly captivated by the spectacle unfolding before them, particularly the incredible tifo created by the RBB in anticipation of this monumental clash. Spanning an impressive 230 meters, the tifo bore the powerful message: “GREATER THAN LIFE, MORE GLORIOUS THAN DEATH, FOR THE RED AND BLACK, OUR PASSION WILL NEVER REST.”
Football fans, especially active supporter groups here in Australia, often receive unfair criticism from those outside the football community. They are unjustly labelled as “hooligans” or “dangerous,” and have even been erroneously likened to the perpetrators of the Paris terror attacks. However, the tifo crafted by the RBB stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of fans. Created through countless hours of hard work, this is one of the many instances that showcases the unity and creativity of supporters, earning them international recognition and respect.
Unfortunately, there are still these deeply denigrating attitudes held towards these supporters and many others across the country. Journalists like Alan Jones, Ray Hadley, and, quite famously, Rebecca Wilson exacerbate these negative views, adding fuel to the flame. This creates a harmful precedent that unfairly casts fans, who attend games in good faith, in a very tough position.
The above image might initially lead one to believe it captures a scene from a political protest or a demonstration, given the significant presence of police officers. Wrong. This image is just one of many depicting the overwhelming number of police officers deployed at the Sydney Darby. The sheer scale of law enforcement personnel present appears disproportionate to the anticipated or perceived level of threat associated with the event.
Many of those officers are from the NSW Raptor Squad. These are police officers who are trained and specialised in targeting and disrupting organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs operating within New South Wales. The squad primarily deals with criminal activities such as drug trafficking, firearms offences, violence, and other serious crimes associated with organised criminal groups.
What members of the Red and Black Bloc (RBB) encountered after displaying the tifo around CommBank Stadium was alarming. Keep in mind, the entire process of unveiling the tifo was meticulously planned and approved by all parties involved, including stadium management, security, and police.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, Scott Hudson, reaffirmed this in an open letter to fans, stating, “To be clear, the tifo banner at Saturday night’s Sydney Derby was approved prior to the match day by all relevant stakeholders.”
However, when RBB members proceeded to their designated bays, despite presenting their membership cards as proof of their identity and rightful destination, they were denied entry. This refusal escalated into a significant clash between police and supporters.
The response from the New South Wales (NSW) Police was unjustifiably heavy-handed and dangerous, endangering the safety of the general public. Numerous individuals were caught in the crossfire, either being forcefully pushed or thrown to the ground. Described by one member of the RBTV panel as a “royal rumble,” swarms of police officers descended upon fans.
This incident not only posed physical danger but also demonstrated an excessive use of force and, at times, an abuse of power by the NSW Police. During the RBTV stream, fans were informed of an instance where a young supporter under the age of 18 was arrested by a NSW Police officer. The officer denied the fan the presence of a legal guardian during questioning, imposed a stadium ban, and illegally altered the boy’s age to treat him as an adult.
This should never happen, not just in football, but at any sporting event in Australia. Fans have the right to feel safe while attending matches. They have the right to support their teams without fear of physical assault or intimidation, particularly by police officers who should be dealing with organised crime, not football fans.
What’s even more disappointing is that less than 24 hours later, A-League fans were confronted with yet another instance of heavy-handedness from police officers towards fans, this time in Queensland. Video footage surfaced during The Den’s march to the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory clash at Suncorp Stadium, depicting police officers pushing and shouting at fans, many of whom were young supporters.
A good friend of mine, and a valued member of the ‘Sokkah Twitter’ community on X, a Brisbane Roar fan by the name of Jacob, spoke with an independent journalist where he detailed what Queensland Police Officers did to members of the Den, leading into and during the game.
Jacob highlighted the recent issues plaguing A-League matches, noting that while the on-field quality has improved, off-field problems like heavy police presence and the unfair treatment of supporters are driving fans away. He recounted incidents of police questioning fans at a pre-game venue, aggressive behaviour during the march, and the arrests of teenagers. Jacob also described an altercation involving an older man outside the stadium who was tackled by police after criticising their treatment of fans.
The events of the past few days highlight a glaring issue with how Australian football fans are policed in this country. While fans should certainly face consequences for wrongdoing, there is contention among football fans regarding for instance the QPS Major Events Planning Unit’s assertion that “Police overlay at games is based on perceived risk.” The crucial aspect here is the notion of perceived risk.
While police presence is necessary for ensuring fan safety, the current approach, characterised by an excessively heightened presence, aggressive behaviour and intimidation from law enforcement, is unwarranted. The level of force employed is often disproportionate to the incidents that occur at games, leaving fans of all ages feeling antagonised and intimidated.
It’s abundantly clear that when members of law enforcement resort to assaulting fans, denying young supporters the right to have legal guardians present during questioning and even falsifying dates on stadium ban notices, there’s a pressing need for change.
Football is meant to be inclusive, offering a unique and unparalleled atmosphere that resonates with fans across Australia.
At my club, Perth Glory, we’ve witnessed a revival in active support, epitomised by Bay 136, where the young fans have created a vibrancy around the stadium that hasn’t been seen in years. Many have noted it’s drawing positive comparisons to the old NSL days. This resurgence not only delighted fans but also caught the attention of new owner Ross Pelligra, who generously pledged 3000 free tickets for young fans under 16 for the Wellington Phoenix game.
Moving forward, there must be a balance struck where law enforcement remains present at games but without the excessive and heavy-handed approach witnessed over the weekend. There is without a doubt a place for active football fans in Australia, and as Mark Bosnich aptly noted in 2015, failure to address these issues risks further alienating fans, leading to a continual loss of support for the game.
