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A league final

Statement from the Football Supporters Association Australia (Inc.) regarding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.

Statement from the Football Supporters Association Australia (Inc.) regarding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.

On behalf of our members and the wider Australian football community, Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) would like to address the various issues and media reporting surrounding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.

Firstly, the FSAA unequivocally condemns all anti-social and illegal behaviour. While any incident at a football match is regrettable, such incidents involved a very small fraction of the record 29,902 supporters who attended. Crucially, the overwhelming majority of fans enjoyed the match and added significantly to the pregame atmosphere, festivities, and march to the ground without incident.

We also take this opportunity to remind all supporters that dangerous or illegal behaviour risks personal injury, arrest, and long-term consequences in addition to unfairly tarnishing the game’s reputation and its supporter base.

With this considered, we must also question the disproportionate police presence. Acknowledging the police’s stated public safety intentions (citing past experiences and intelligence), we question if the resources deployed were proportionate to actual incidents or consistent with other major sporting events.

We are concerned the heavy police presence, its visibility, and perceived police conduct could have actually contributed to the heightened tension.

While recognising law enforcement's challenges at large events, we maintain that the proportionality of their response warrants ongoing scrutiny. We believe a balanced and collaborative approach to future event management and policing is therefore essential.

Furthermore, the FSAA calls on the relevant media organisations to curb the hyperbole, sensationalism and misleading nature of their football coverage.

We have noted several media outlets focusing on isolated incidents, some seemingly intent on constructing "hooligan" narratives.

The use of terms like 'riot' and 'anarchy' is profoundly misleading and damaging. Such portrayals misrepresent these incidents and the behaviour of Australia's millions of football supporters. These dedicated fans should not be collectively tarnished by the actions of a few.

This reporting approach often appears inconsistent with that of other sporting codes. Incidents of "ugly fan violence," brawls, ejections, or even weapons at other codes, often don't receive the same sustained, alarmist media attention or broad condemnation of their fan bases.

Football supporters rightly perceive our game faces a different reporting standard, where isolated incidents are amplified to perpetuate outdated stereotypes.

The 2025 A-League Grand Final was a passionate showcase by tens of thousands of fans. It is deeply disappointing when the actions of a few, amplified by media portrayals, overshadow the contributions of the many.

The FSAA is committed and ready to engage with all stakeholders—including clubs, active supporter groups (recognised fan organisations with dedicated stadium sections), the A-Leagues, Football Australia, and relevant authorities—to foster a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment where supporters are free and encouraged to express their passionate support.

-ENDS-

Please direct all enquiries to info@fsaaus.com
 
Checked up Aurelio's pro coaching history.

He was assistant to Kossie at AU. Didn't he take over after Kossie left under a cloud?

He spent a lot of time learning from Pim on the training track, even as AU coach.

Got AU to an Asian Champ league final, playing counterattacking football. AU seemed to struggle in the AL shortly after.

Then Aurelio had tenures as Aus underage coach and was in Ange's assistants as senior Socceroo for a few years.

I think he had about 4 seasons in Thailand coaching in their top tier with different clubs just before the City job.

That is quite a varied CV.

I think he was helped by good squad depth and a sound City underage development system. Gee, the City kids stepped up when the seniors were injured this season.

I'm pleased for Aurelio's success.

Also, I hope MV keep Diles on.
 
melbcityguy said:
Statement from the Football Supporters Association Australia (Inc.) regarding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.

Statement from the Football Supporters Association Australia (Inc.) regarding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.

On behalf of our members and the wider Australian football community, Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) would like to address the various issues and media reporting surrounding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.

Firstly, the FSAA unequivocally condemns all anti-social and illegal behaviour. While any incident at a football match is regrettable, such incidents involved a very small fraction of the record 29,902 supporters who attended. Crucially, the overwhelming majority of fans enjoyed the match and added significantly to the pregame atmosphere, festivities, and march to the ground without incident.

We also take this opportunity to remind all supporters that dangerous or illegal behaviour risks personal injury, arrest, and long-term consequences in addition to unfairly tarnishing the game’s reputation and its supporter base.

With this considered, we must also question the disproportionate police presence. Acknowledging the police’s stated public safety intentions (citing past experiences and intelligence), we question if the resources deployed were proportionate to actual incidents or consistent with other major sporting events.

We are concerned the heavy police presence, its visibility, and perceived police conduct could have actually contributed to the heightened tension.

While recognising law enforcement's challenges at large events, we maintain that the proportionality of their response warrants ongoing scrutiny. We believe a balanced and collaborative approach to future event management and policing is therefore essential.

Furthermore, the FSAA calls on the relevant media organisations to curb the hyperbole, sensationalism and misleading nature of their football coverage.

We have noted several media outlets focusing on isolated incidents, some seemingly intent on constructing "hooligan" narratives.

The use of terms like 'riot' and 'anarchy' is profoundly misleading and damaging. Such portrayals misrepresent these incidents and the behaviour of Australia's millions of football supporters. These dedicated fans should not be collectively tarnished by the actions of a few.

This reporting approach often appears inconsistent with that of other sporting codes. Incidents of "ugly fan violence," brawls, ejections, or even weapons at other codes, often don't receive the same sustained, alarmist media attention or broad condemnation of their fan bases.

Football supporters rightly perceive our game faces a different reporting standard, where isolated incidents are amplified to perpetuate outdated stereotypes.

The 2025 A-League Grand Final was a passionate showcase by tens of thousands of fans. It is deeply disappointing when the actions of a few, amplified by media portrayals, overshadow the contributions of the many.

The FSAA is committed and ready to engage with all stakeholders—including clubs, active supporter groups (recognised fan organisations with dedicated stadium sections), the A-Leagues, Football Australia, and relevant authorities—to foster a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment where supporters are free and encouraged to express their passionate support.

-ENDS-

Please direct all enquiries to info@fsaaus.com
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Thanks for posting, MCG.

Enjoy your celebrations!

Bet you weren't confident over the season. Don't think you ever beat Auck and hadn't beaten MV for a few seasons.
 
Decentric said:
Thanks for posting, MCG.

Enjoy your celebrations!

Bet you weren't confident over the season. Don't think you ever beat Auck and hadn't beaten MV for a few seasons.
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Yeah the grand final is nice but Auckland were the best team of the season
 
melbcityguy said:
Yeah the grand final is nice but Auckland were the best team of the season
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But they still have to squat over a seat-less loo for another year like the rest of us.

Don't sell yourself short mate. Enjoy it without any hint of fraud syndrome - you earned your place in the finals and you earned the right of unfettered pride.
 
My take.

Firstly on the game. I thought City played a physical game that we couldn’t handle. But I think a lot of that was on Kersey who failed to clamp down on it early. He was probably instructed to let the game flow, but that just played into their hands.

I’m not making excuses, the refereeing didn’t cost us the game. We were poor. In hindsight, maybe last week was our GF and we were cooked. Nish not playing was a massive loss. I also think Diles made a mistake starting Bruno over Vergos. We needed his energy when we were chasing the game.

As for the feeling of losing another GF and losing to City in particular. Honestly, I feel nothing.

10 years ago, the thought of losing a GF to City (or Heart) would have been unthinkable. Losing to CCM last year feels worse because I made the trek north and travelling home after losing a GF (when we were minutes away from winning) sucks balls.

But standing in the terrace with your mates in a full AAMI Park is what football is all about and I hope we have many more of those types of days going forward.

As for the media stuff and the OTT police presence, I don’t particularly wanna dwell too much on it except to say that I really, really want the APL and Melbourne Victory to come out and publicly back the fans over these hostile dogs.

They famously threw us fans under the bus after pitch invasion incident. If they wanna fix the massive issue of dwindling AL crowds in Melbourne, this would be a great time to offer us an olive branch. But I won’t be holding my breath.
 
FeedTheBrox said:
My take.

Firstly on the game. I thought City played a physical game that we couldn’t handle. But I think a lot of that was on Kersey who failed to clamp down on it early. He was probably instructed to let the game flow, but that just played into their hands.

I’m not making excuses, the refereeing didn’t cost us the game. We were poor. In hindsight, maybe last week was our GF and we were cooked. Nish not playing was a massive loss. I also think Diles made a mistake starting Bruno over Vergos. We needed his energy when we were chasing the game.

As for the feeling of losing another GF and losing to City in particular. Honestly, I feel nothing.

10 years ago, the thought of losing a GF to City (or Heart) would have been unthinkable. Losing to CCM last year feels worse because I made the trek north and travelling home after losing a GF (when we were minutes away from winning) sucks balls.

But standing in the terrace with your mates in a full AAMI Park is what football is all about and I hope we have many more of those types of days going forward.

As for the media stuff and the OTT police presence, I don’t particularly wanna dwell too much on it except to say that I really, really want the APL and Melbourne Victory to come out and publicly back the fans over these hostile dogs.

They famously threw us fans under the bus after pitch invasion incident. If they wanna fix the massive issue of dwindling AL crowds in Melbourne, this would be a great time to offer us an olive branch. But I won’t be holding my breath.
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Good post, FTB.
 
FeedTheBrox said:
My take.

Firstly on the game. I thought City played a physical game that we couldn’t handle. But I think a lot of that was on Kersey who failed to clamp down on it early. He was probably instructed to let the game flow, but that just played into their hands.

I’m not making excuses, the refereeing didn’t cost us the game. We were poor. In hindsight, maybe last week was our GF and we were cooked. Nish not playing was a massive loss. I also think Diles made a mistake starting Bruno over Vergos. We needed his energy when we were chasing the game.

As for the feeling of losing another GF and losing to City in particular. Honestly, I feel nothing.

10 years ago, the thought of losing a GF to City (or Heart) would have been unthinkable. Losing to CCM last year feels worse because I made the trek north and travelling home after losing a GF (when we were minutes away from winning) sucks balls.

But standing in the terrace with your mates in a full AAMI Park is what football is all about and I hope we have many more of those types of days going forward.

As for the media stuff and the OTT police presence, I don’t particularly wanna dwell too much on it except to say that I really, really want the APL and Melbourne Victory to come out and publicly back the fans over these hostile dogs.

They famously threw us fans under the bus after pitch invasion incident. If they wanna fix the massive issue of dwindling AL crowds in Melbourne, this would be a great time to offer us an olive branch. But I won’t be holding my breath.
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I think the off the pitch stuff is a interesting topic.

The Australian Public seems to not want flares so If we get rid of them there's nothing to argue about.
 
JS96 said:
Been enjoying the conversation here on this.

It's interesting to note the inconsistency of refs on corner fouls. Some players scream and the whistle will go.

I for one hate when fair use of the body or natural clashes or momentum are adjudged as fouls. Players who go down like the leg has been broken but can sprint right after play has resumed must be reprimanded. The truly hurt don't recover that quickly.
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From a physics standpoint, it makes no sense.
 
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melbcityguy said:
Statement from the Football Supporters Association Australia (Inc.) regarding the 2025 A-League Grand Final.



We have noted several media outlets focusing on isolated incidents, some seemingly intent on constructing "hooligan" narratives.

The use of terms like 'riot' and 'anarchy' is profoundly misleading and damaging. Such portrayals misrepresent these incidents and the behaviour of Australia's millions of football supporters. These dedicated fans should not be collectively tarnished by the actions of a few.

This reporting approach often appears inconsistent with that of other sporting codes. Incidents of "ugly fan violence," brawls, ejections, or even weapons at other codes, often don't receive the same sustained, alarmist media attention or broad condemnation of their fan bases.

Football supporters rightly perceive our game faces a different reporting standard, where isolated incidents are amplified to perpetuate outdated stereotypes.
Click to expand...

At least the FA is firing back. Not that your average talk back radio dickhead is paying attention.
 
FeedTheBrox said:
My take.

Firstly on the game. I thought City played a physical game that we couldn’t handle. But I think a lot of that was on Kersey who failed to clamp down on it early. He was probably instructed to let the game flow, but that just played into their hands.

I’m not making excuses, the refereeing didn’t cost us the game. We were poor. In hindsight, maybe last week was our GF and we were cooked. Nish not playing was a massive loss. I also think Diles made a mistake starting Bruno over Vergos. We needed his energy when we were chasing the game.

As for the feeling of losing another GF and losing to City in particular. Honestly, I feel nothing.

10 years ago, the thought of losing a GF to City (or Heart) would have been unthinkable. Losing to CCM last year feels worse because I made the trek north and travelling home after losing a GF (when we were minutes away from winning) sucks balls.

But standing in the terrace with your mates in a full AAMI Park is what football is all about and I hope we have many more of those types of days going forward.

As for the media stuff and the OTT police presence, I don’t particularly wanna dwell too much on it except to say that I really, really want the APL and Melbourne Victory to come out and publicly back the fans over these hostile dogs.

They famously threw us fans under the bus after pitch invasion incident. If they wanna fix the massive issue of dwindling AL crowds in Melbourne, this would be a great time to offer us an olive branch. But I won’t be holding my breath.
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Great post.....Just wish more of your mates rocked up to Lakeside the next day we spent 5k on extra policing for a handful of parents and friends.... doesnt bode well for franchisees surviving the drop if we ever go to pro/rel...

1748824147646.png
 
Monoethnic Social Club said:
Great post.....Just wish more of your mates rocked up to Lakeside the next day we spent 5k on extra policing for a handful of parents and friends.... doesnt bode well for franchisees surviving the drop if we ever go to pro/rel...

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I’ve been trying to get to NPL games. Been to 3 so far this year. But it’s hard to justify going to see multiple games on 1 weekend to the misso. I should be able to get to a few more in the AL offseason.

There is a group of us specifically targeting Preston Lions away as a catch up in late July.
 
TheSelectFew said:
I wish there was more promo. Could have made for a great weekend!
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agreed - I feel alot of the crowds that do turn up to GF's etc fall into the "events" tag we bring up re our game.

As F T B mentions which is good he's looking to make more NPL games now but I feel that % will be low from regular APL supporters.
 
LFC said:
agreed - I feel alot of the crowds that do turn up to GF's etc fall into the "events" tag we bring up re our game.

As F T B mentions which is good he's looking to make more NPL games now but I feel that % will be low from regular APL supporters.
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To be fair to Victory fans, it IS deflating losing a GF (I should know) and hard to crawl out of the house the next day to watch another defeat.... Football can give you the highest of highs but drain your soul in the very next moment...

If they had won the Aleague GF the night before I would have (and the club AND FFV) expected a much bigger turnout, they havent played us at Lakeside in 10 years...
 
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