Western United head coach John Aloisi has urged Australian football fans not to let the actions of “some idiots” at Saturday night’s Melbourne Derby spoil the positive momentum building in the game.
The Isuzu UTE A-League clash between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park descended into chaos on Saturday night when peaceful protests turned violent; fans from both clubs planned to stage a walk-out at the 20-minute mark – to protest the Australian Professional League (APL)’s decision to stage the next three years of A-Leagues grand finals in Sydney. Those plans were overshadowed when fans from the Victory active fan area rushed the pitch, attacking Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover, who was struck on the head by a metal bucket.
Both sets of fans had thrown flares onto the field of play prior to the situation escalating, with referee Alex King and a Network 10 camera operator caught in the line of fire.
Play was abandoned at AAMI Park on Saturday night, but the following afternoon saw Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers return to the venue ahead of their Round 8 A-League Men clash.
Speaking to Paramount+ pre-game, Western United boss Aloisi slammed the “idiots” who caused the ugly Melbourne Derby scenes.
“Look, as spectators, also as players, officials and anyone who is inside the stadium should never feel unsafe and threatened in any way,” Aloisi said.
But don’t let a minority kill our game. It was a minority, I don’t agree, I don’t condone what happened yesterday at all. But this is a time where we stick together even more, because football is far bigger than some idiots doing what they did yesterday.
“I felt sick at the time, because I love this game. We love it. And we want the game to move forward – and it has been moving forward. I understand the demonstrations that have been put in place because of the APL decision to play the grand finals (in Sydney). I understand that. I actually agree with the demonstrations – but they should always be peaceful.
“Let’s stick together. Let’s make sure the game goes forward like it should be, and let’s not set it back. Let’s not kill ourselves. Let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot. The football, that’s what we should be talking about, and that first 15 minutes of football, the atmosphere, the crowd, the way the football was played by Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City was incredible.
“Don’t define Melbourne Victory or Melbourne City (by) some idiots.”
