A-League fans’ protests at the selling of the grand final to Sydney started at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night, with Newcastle’s active supporters group leaving the ground just 20 minutes into the Jets’ 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar.
The “Terrace Novacastria” group, who had stood being a banner saying “fans>$$”, headed for exit gates with the score at 0-0 after 20 minutes.
The protest, set to be repeated at venues around the competition this weekend, came after this week’s announcement the Australian Professional Leagues had sold A-League men’s and women’s grand finals, as well as E-League deciders, to the NSW government for next three years for around $20 million.
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Traditionally, the highest-ranked team earns grand final hosting rights.
Sydney FC’s active supporter group will boycott its team’s match against Central Coast in Gosford on Saturday.
“The Cove” were due to attend the game to stage a protest at the venue, presumably following the expected lead of Mariners supporters who are set to walk out of Central Coast Stadium 20 minutes into the match.
However, Sydney’s active supporters will now not attend the match at all.
“In light of the recent announcement by the ‘Yellow Army’ with their intention to walk out, we feel our planned protest would undermine their actions,” The Cove posted on its Facebook page.
“Therefore we will be boycotting the game out of respect to the home team protest.
“Whilst this approach is not one we 100 per cent agree with, we understand the importance of unity in these times.
“Anyone who chooses to attend this game, we ask that you respectfully keep the away bay clear.”
Melbourne Victory will also support its fans’ decision to abandon Saturday night’s Melbourne derby after 20 minutes in protest
The Newcastle protest on Friday was the major talking point on a night when both sides failed to inspire on a recently replaced playing surface that did neither team any favours.
However, the only goal of the contest, which didn’t come until the 80th minute, was worth waiting for.
It came from Roar attacker Nikola Mileusnic, who made the most of a clever header across the Jets penalty from teammate Riku Danzaki to unleash an impressive overhead kick.
And while it was saved by Jets goalkeeper Jack Duncan, the ball again fell for Mileusnic, who despite still being on the ground, showed sufficient composure to guide the ball into the roof of the net.
“I just kicked it and it went in, so I’ll definitely take it,” a grateful Mileusnic told Paramount +.
The Jets had a chance to equalise in stoppage time but a brilliant save from Brisbane goalkeeper Jordan Holmes, who tipped a Jaushua Sotirio header on to the post, ensured the Roar would hold on for just their second win of the A-League season.
“We’ve only lost one game and been very solid defensively but lacked a bit up front,” Mileusnic said.
“We’ll take the three points and move into next week.”
While Mileusnic was on song, teammate Charlie Austin’s final A-League appearance was uneventful.
The departing Brisbane Roar marksman, who this week confirmed his return to the UK less than six months into a two-year deal, rarely threatened before being replaced after 71 minutes by Joe Knowles.
“We’ll miss ‘Chaz’. It was his last game tonight but … hopefully we take this form moving forward,” Mileusnic said.
— NCA Newswire
