just read the Coves response to all of this - this kind of action I can totally get behind.
THE COVE - COURSE OF ACTION
The following is a reaction to two simple things:
1. The decision regarding where the Grand Final is played
2. A lack of fan input and care
The decision made by the APL is completely unacceptable. Their affirmative reasons for this decision have been nonsensical. This decision is purely money-based, something they are too cowardly to admit.
The APL have claimed to be fan-centric, yet they sell out the pinnacle of the competition. Are we, the fans, a stakeholder of the competition or not? If we are, then we have the right to be heard. The way the fans have been treated shows a level of contempt that we are nothing more than an inconvenience to them except when it suits them. Paul Lederer’s statement reads to us as “we don’t give a flying fudge”. It is disgusting.
Our representation at the APL starts and ends with Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow. Barlow and Sydney FC have both remained silent throughout this incident. If you remain silent, you are complicit. You have pushed the Cove’s founding member to the point where he has sent back his membership. 18 years of supporting his club dies now. The failure to be represented is the cause of grief.
The A-League received $140m from Silver Lake and $200m from Paramount. Was it really worth selling out the biggest fixture on the calendar for $5m? Where has the other money gone except to a third-rate website. If it’s not about the money, then why are you pissing off every single supporter in the league? It makes no sense.
Tonight, Sydney will have a meeting with the APL. Other supporter groups are expected to receive the invitation as well. We will be questioning them on all of the above.
Our actions as a supporter base are as follows. The Cove:
1. Will be silent for the first 23 minutes of Central Coast away
2. Will boycott the entire Final series for the next 3 years should there be no change to this system. We will also actively advocate that all SFC fans do the same
3. Will campaign to all Sydney FC fans to also NOT attend the Grand Final as “general fans” should we not make it for the next 3 years.
As we said last week “If the suits can’t grow our game, we will”. To clarify as to why we won’t be doing a complete boycott of the game this weekend, we believe these are absolutely crucial times to grow the league’s supporters in this post-Socceroos buzz, which is what makes the recent decision so unfortunate. We stand by our post last week to put everything we can into growing the league in the next few weeks, despite the issues the league has put in front of us all.
We will not be made to feel guilty for not supporting our team this weekend for the first 23 minutes. Our loyalty will not be preyed on. Us not supporting is bad for the team, but so is alienating the fans.
Forza Australian Football Fans