Sky Blues’ Ali Abbas has called on Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory fans to unite and create a fantastic atmosphere for the Australia Day clash at Etihad Stadium.
Sky Blues midfielder Ali Abbas has called on Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory fans to unite and create a fantastic atmosphere for the Australia Day clash at Etihad Stadium (kick off 5pm).
Australia Day marks the anniversary of the First Fleet-s arrival in 1788 and celebrates the now diverse society and landscape of modern Australia.
Ali Abbas, an Iraqi International, became a citizen of Australia on Australia Day 2012 and is hoping for a united fan base to create a vociferous atmosphere throughout the match, especially prior to kick off when the national anthem will be sung.
“We need to have a big support from the Sydney FC fans,” Abbas said.
“Hopefully they can turn up and come see us and hopefully we make them happy.
“It-s a celebration of Australia Day so it-s going to be a big game for us. It-s always a really good atmosphere down there and I think the fans make it more exciting.
“It-s going to be a good game to watch and I hope all the supporters enjoy it in a united and friendly way.”
While the day may a celebration, Abbas is firmly focused on the task at hand as he targets a win a finals
place finish for the Sky Blues.
“We need to get three points to make the fans happy,” said Abbas.
“It-s going to be really difficult I think because they are coming off a big loss so they need to prove themselves and it-s going to be a hard game for us. We need to get back on track as well.
“If we get back on track we can jump to fourth or fifth. It-s going to be a hard game so we will work hard this week and get the job done on the weekend.”
