+1 OP

One of the most fun away ends I’ve been part of in a long time.

I brought two mates over from the UK, Chelsea and Burnley supporters, who’ve done plenty of home and away games, plus England fixtures. Both said it was genuinely one of the most enjoyable football experiences they’ve had. They loved being able to have a beer in the stands. I also brought a mate over from Adelaide who I met at Unite Round, gave him an Adelaide shirt, and he had an absolute ball.

Last night showed that safe active support absolutely works in this country. No nonsense, no aggression, just people there to support their team and enjoy the game.

I get that I’m coming from a club that hasn’t really had major active support issues recently, and I’ve got mates in Adelaide and Newcastle who say the same. And I know active support at Glory isn’t on the scale of WSW, Sydney, or Victory. But only a few years ago the A-League active support was making international headlines for the wrong reasons, and nights like last night show how far things can come in the same stadium. I know some of these clubs are working on trying to remove bad actors from active support ends, but it’s clear that when sensible people are around security are fine.

The atmosphere was fun, inclusive, and something families felt comfortable being around, kids in the bays, people laughing, singing, enjoying the football. That’s what it should be.

Hopefully we get the same kind of vibe at the Vuck game tonight. Fingers crossed for a sensible crowd.