WPM R13 v Melbourne Victory | Fri 19 Jan | 7:00pm | RoF + Featherson pregame

Wusty Wab

Just going back to the pen, I think Kosta did the right thing letting Rufer take it. Kosta probably remembered he's missed his only two penalty attempts with us and understood that while this was a great chance for him to break a Phoenix scoring record, a very valuable point was on the line at the same time.

The captain stepped up and delivered!

I also wonder if they weighed up that the keeper is far more likely to have studied Kostas goal scoring so is likely to guess the direction more.

Rufer on the other hand, anyone's guess.

Think it's an important game and the captain should lead by example. When the penalty was given I was thinking about who on the field should take it and came to the conclusion that it should be Rufer and I was glad when he stepped up.

Ryan

Think it's an important game and the captain should lead by example. When the penalty was given I was thinking about who on the field should take it and came to the conclusion that it should be Rufer and I was glad when he stepped up.

I had a flashback to Tim Brown fronting up in the penalty shoot out against the Jets all those years ago. Another Nix captain who always led by example, especially with a head bandage on.

Whatever the reason,  he banged it in, an epic draw was witnessed live by 9000 people, Payne can sleep slightly easier at night, and we are still top of the table.

Glorious Nix

theprof

lol, it was so the other way, VAR took every opportunity to deny a clear pen for us in the first half and then upgraded a yellow to red on very little evidence. The pen we got in the end was down to VAR feeling guilty for tryng to sccupper our season. 

RB next game is going to an issue, does Sutton start there? if so who is tthe back up full back? Don't think Pennington is the answer.

Al-Taay will start at RB surely. But didn't someone post Elliott & the Nix were in talks about a short term deal for the rest of the season.

Though you'd think it will take him awhile to get up to being match fit. Chiefy has said any signing this window will be only be with the idea of increasing squad depth, so unlikely a 5th visa. If any signing makes obvious sense it's Elliott - knowing the league, team, coach & Payne's red card highlights backup RB as a problem.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350152771/wellington-phoenix-strikers-selfless-act

Ryan

Think we were unlucky to concede to be honest, they never looked likely and it too a fluke deflection. But that's what happens when you're under sustained pressure I guess.

The frustrating thing was we were slow to start both halves.

Not sure about "they never looked likely" - they missed an absolute sitter at the goalmouth (ball squared across the goal line with only one Vic player next to it), unless I saw it wrong. We were under the pump quite a bit even with 11 men, the stats showed VUC dominance.  
At the same time we have a lot of grit to emerge with a draw, whether lucky or deserving, and football results sometimes do not reflect what it was like on the pitch. It makes me feel better about the upcoming Jets game away in Newcastle.

coochiee

theprof

lol, it was so the other way, VAR took every opportunity to deny a clear pen for us in the first half and then upgraded a yellow to red on very little evidence. The pen we got in the end was down to VAR feeling guilty for tryng to sccupper our season. 

RB next game is going to an issue, does Sutton start there? if so who is tthe back up full back? Don't think Pennington is the answer.

Al-Taay will start at RB surely. But didn't someone post Elliott & the Nix were in talks about a short term deal for the rest of the season.
 
Though you'd think it will take him awhile to get up to being match fit. Chiefy has said any signing this window will be only be with the idea of increasing squad depth, so unlikely a 5th visa. If any signing makes obvious sense it's Elliott - knowing the league, team, coach & Payne's red card highlights backup RB as a problem.

Unfortunately that was a fake tweet posted by some random new account

Mainland FC

Ryan

Think we were unlucky to concede to be honest, they never looked likely and it too a fluke deflection. But that's what happens when you're under sustained pressure I guess.

The frustrating thing was we were slow to start both halves.

Not sure about "they never looked likely" - they missed an absolute sitter at the goalmouth (ball squared across the goal line with only one Vic player next to it), unless I saw it wrong. We were under the pump quite a bit even with 11 men, the stats showed VUC dominance.  
At the same time we have a lot of grit to emerge with a draw, whether lucky or deserving, and football results sometimes do not reflect what it was like on the pitch. It makes me feel better about the upcoming Jets game away in Newcastle.

Yep, the concern wasn't so much the defence it was the fact that we struggled to string passes together when trying to hold possession.

LG

Remember when A League referees were targeting or appeared to be targeting Rufer and giving him cards for anything. He's matured a lot and although he sits on 4 for this season, if you take into account the roles he has been given, 4 is not a large amount. He is "nicking" back a lot of possession, like Pennington. They're not perfect but they put in a lot of work and effort. 

I was surprised and amused when Rufer scored, Pennington ran back onto the field over to Paulsen and they were both celebrating. It meant a lot and it says that this is a happy squad. They look out for each other.

We have a genuine team. Fudgeing Amazing too watch... These boys 👏 

Am I wrong? But doesn’t VAR just ask the referee to relook at the footage then either confirm their original decision or the ref changes it? VAR changes nothing? If so, stop moaning about VAR and blame the ref solely (if the final decision was so wrong)

theprof

lol, it was so the other way, VAR took every opportunity to deny a clear pen for us in the first half and then upgraded a yellow to red on very little evidence. The pen we got in the end was down to VAR feeling guilty for tryng to sccupper our season. 

RB next game is going to an issue, does Sutton start there? if so who is tthe back up full back? Don't think Pennington is the answer.

Then Victory fans are no different to all other fans - referees are always against us. Just admit it, a lot of referees in the A League are just crap a lot of the time - crap not biased or corrupt. That is football.

Jazzy Jeff

I think the outrage of the victory fans is more indicative of how infrequently bad calls go against them and they're throwing their toys out of the pram. I've seen probably over a hundred of them claiming it's the single worst decision in the league's history and that there needs to be an investigation. Watched it again this morning in case I was wrong, but it just is a pen. Madness

Pennington actually didn’t, he joined Rufer etc on the spectator side of the pitch near the cricked wicket. He was wearing his hi viz and had been cooling down behind the YF goal prior to the penalty so was closer to the celebration than those on the bench. 

LG

Remember when A League referees were targeting or appeared to be targeting Rufer and giving him cards for anything. He's matured a lot and although he sits on 4 for this season, if you take into account the roles he has been given, 4 is not a large amount. He is "nicking" back a lot of possession, like Pennington. They're not perfect but they put in a lot of work and effort. 

I was surprised and amused when Rufer scored, Pennington ran back onto the field over to Paulsen and they were both celebrating. It meant a lot and it says that this is a happy squad. They look out for each other.

My first live game of the season and I thought it was a bore-fest for long periods. We have to remember these were the top 2 teams in the league and the end result reflected their status. In terms of play, first half I thought Victory were on top but not to the extent that I was overly worried given it was still 1-0. We all knew it would be tough to hold on with 10 men later. Our 10 man effort was exceptional and to be honest, salvaging the draw is an indication this team can go all the way because of our grit, determination and in many ways - discipline. You don’t get the opportunity to receive a penalty without being in the opposition area, so even when under the pump we exhibited attacking intent after going down by the goal.
 
Non TV observations for the first time…… the only brickbat I can give was to Payne for his red card alone. I don't think there are many (if any) weaknesses in this team that might prevent us winning the show. A couple didn’t have the exceptional games we have seen so far (especially Kosta and Old) but they were still far more than adequate and functional in this game. Even though he had a tough night, K-H did ok against one of the leagues top players and also had a couple of impressive moments. I have seen better footballing exhibitions at the ROF but I have a good feeling about this season, we genuinely have a shot. Amongst all of this euphoria, I just remembered Zawada is out which makes our position and results even more exceptional.

Loved the “we are top of the league” chant. Rang out under the stand on the way out and a group of kids kept it up on the walk across the concourse - magic football memory right there.

as a ref myself I havent obviously practiced var but have been taught the process.
The VAR is looking at the play, and if they think the decision may need to be changed then they will 'recommend" an on field review.
It is then up to the ref for the final decision, but perhaps for a less experienced ref, VAR operator may change their mind on a call that was originally 50/50.
Rub of the green is defenitely a thing, and the VAR and the ref are equally to blame in my opinion. VAR is the instigator obviously.
The term clear and obvious is not followed clearly as probably 80% of pens are maybe 55/45 or 60/40 of being given.
Definitely another day another ref that OVH pen is only being called half the time i would say..

Napier Phoenix

Am I wrong? But doesn’t VAR just ask the referee to relook at the footage then either confirm their original decision or the ref changes it? VAR changes nothing? If so, stop moaning about VAR and blame the ref solely (if the final decision was so wrong)

theprof

lol, it was so the other way, VAR took every opportunity to deny a clear pen for us in the first half and then upgraded a yellow to red on very little evidence. The pen we got in the end was down to VAR feeling guilty for tryng to sccupper our season. 

RB next game is going to an issue, does Sutton start there? if so who is tthe back up full back? Don't think Pennington is the answer.

I thought I'd mention that Rufer's penalty wasn't actually particularly good, at least the way it looked to me. Before his run up/as he was starting to run up he was looking to the keeper's right, but then began looking at the ball, and from there his body language seemed to show clearly he was going to hit it to the keeper's left, which he did, but his penalty wasn't exactly right in the corner or hit with incredible pace, I think it was very saveable had the keeper guessed right. And unless he has exceptional peripheral vision there isn't any evidence he hit it that way because he saw the keeper going the other way, his body language did not show he made any sort of change to his motion after he had begun running up. The keeper just straight up got fooled completely by Rufer giving him the eyes at the start. That pen doesn't make me confident he scores the next one. I think I'd prefer somebody else stepped up to take them, I'd prefer Kraev myself, I suspect he would be quite good at them. 

Rufer is 2 from 2. Until he misses, he gets them if he wants it.

I think Zawada is the obvious choice once he is fully fit - should only be a game or two away. Missed his first one but has looked solid since. Zawada may not have the finesse of a Davila-like character but he has that mental toughness for penalties which makes him quite good.

Until Zawada returns I'd be happy if Kraev, Rufer, or Barba took the pens. Obviously Rufer will take them until he misses or Zawada gets back. Makes sense since Kraev and Barba have both missed pens for us

Huh, I have no memory of Kraev's miss. In that case, I guess I am fine with Rufer to keep going until he misses. Sure, Zawada can take them but since he is leaving it'd only be temporary anyway. 

Davila by the way is not a good penalty taker either. I'll not forget him missing one at Eden Park, that miss meant we missed the playoffs and we were in excellent form at the end of that season and I think we would have won at least one playoff game had we made it. 

imanixsupporter

Huh, I have no memory of Kraev's miss. In that case, I guess I am fine with Rufer to keep going until he misses. Sure, Zawada can take them but since he is leaving it'd only be temporary anyway. 

Davila by the way is not a good penalty taker either. I'll not forget him missing one at Eden Park, that miss meant we missed the playoffs and we were in excellent form at the end of that season and I think we would have won at least one playoff game had we made it. 

I’ll take anything after suffering years of Krishna penalties. He may be our best ever player, but that man could not take a penalty to save his life.

Tingles. Well done YF. Imagine if TVNZ sports news actually showed a 10 second grab of that. Add a few extra thousand to the next home game.

Napier Phoenix

Loved the “we are top of the league” chant. Rang out under the stand on the way out and a group of kids kept it up on the walk across the concourse - magic football memory right there.

The team? Awesome. The 9k who came to watch? Awesome. So very proud. pic.twitter.com/4vlof8DtT0

— David Dome (@Domestar) January 19, 2024

coochiee

Tingles. Well done YF. Imagine if TVNZ sports news actually showed a 10 second grab of that. Add a few extra thousand to the next home game.

Napier Phoenix

Loved the “we are top of the league” chant. Rang out under the stand on the way out and a group of kids kept it up on the walk across the concourse - magic football memory right there.

The team? Awesome. The 9k who came to watch? Awesome. So very proud. pic.twitter.com/4vlof8DtT0

— David Dome (@Domestar) January 19, 2024

That was one them "holy shark im gonna remember this moment".Goes into one of my favourite memories collection for sure.

Napier Phoenix

Pennington actually didn’t, he joined Rufer etc on the spectator side of the pitch near the cricked wicket. He was wearing his hi viz and had been cooling down behind the YF goal prior to the penalty so was closer to the celebration than those on the bench. 

LG

Remember when A League referees were targeting or appeared to be targeting Rufer and giving him cards for anything. He's matured a lot and although he sits on 4 for this season, if you take into account the roles he has been given, 4 is not a large amount. He is "nicking" back a lot of possession, like Pennington. They're not perfect but they put in a lot of work and effort. 

I was surprised and amused when Rufer scored, Pennington ran back onto the field over to Paulsen and they were both celebrating. It meant a lot and it says that this is a happy squad. They look out for each other.

Napier Phoenix

My first live game of the season and I thought it was a bore-fest for long periods. We have to remember these were the top 2 teams in the league and the end result reflected their status. In terms of play, first half I thought Victory were on top but not to the extent that I was overly worried given it was still 1-0. We all knew it would be tough to hold on with 10 men later. Our 10 man effort was exceptional and to be honest, salvaging the draw is an indication this team can go all the way because of our grit, determination and in many ways - discipline. You don’t get the opportunity to receive a penalty without being in the opposition area, so even when under the pump we exhibited attacking intent after going down by the goal.
 
Non TV observations for the first time…… the only brickbat I can give was to Payne for his red card alone. I don't think there are many (if any) weaknesses in this team that might prevent us winning the show. A couple didn’t have the exceptional games we have seen so far (especially Kosta and Old) but they were still far more than adequate and functional in this game. Even though he had a tough night, K-H did ok against one of the leagues top players and also had a couple of impressive moments. I have seen better footballing exhibitions at the ROF but I have a good feeling about this season, we genuinely have a shot. Amongst all of this euphoria, I just remembered Zawada is out which makes our position and results even more exceptional.

He was subbed and wearing a bib. It happened right in front of me, then he ran over to where the rest of the team were.

Maybe it was Van Hattum who celebrated with Paulsen? Also a blondie, but Phoenix low ranks connections?

So not on the field like you originally stated.

LG

Napier Phoenix

Pennington actually didn’t, he joined Rufer etc on the spectator side of the pitch near the cricked wicket. He was wearing his hi viz and had been cooling down behind the YF goal prior to the penalty so was closer to the celebration than those on the bench. 

LG

Remember when A League referees were targeting or appeared to be targeting Rufer and giving him cards for anything. He's matured a lot and although he sits on 4 for this season, if you take into account the roles he has been given, 4 is not a large amount. He is "nicking" back a lot of possession, like Pennington. They're not perfect but they put in a lot of work and effort. 

I was surprised and amused when Rufer scored, Pennington ran back onto the field over to Paulsen and they were both celebrating. It meant a lot and it says that this is a happy squad. They look out for each other.

Napier Phoenix

My first live game of the season and I thought it was a bore-fest for long periods. We have to remember these were the top 2 teams in the league and the end result reflected their status. In terms of play, first half I thought Victory were on top but not to the extent that I was overly worried given it was still 1-0. We all knew it would be tough to hold on with 10 men later. Our 10 man effort was exceptional and to be honest, salvaging the draw is an indication this team can go all the way because of our grit, determination and in many ways - discipline. You don’t get the opportunity to receive a penalty without being in the opposition area, so even when under the pump we exhibited attacking intent after going down by the goal.
 
Non TV observations for the first time…… the only brickbat I can give was to Payne for his red card alone. I don't think there are many (if any) weaknesses in this team that might prevent us winning the show. A couple didn’t have the exceptional games we have seen so far (especially Kosta and Old) but they were still far more than adequate and functional in this game. Even though he had a tough night, K-H did ok against one of the leagues top players and also had a couple of impressive moments. I have seen better footballing exhibitions at the ROF but I have a good feeling about this season, we genuinely have a shot. Amongst all of this euphoria, I just remembered Zawada is out which makes our position and results even more exceptional.

He was subbed and wearing a bib. It happened right in front of me, then he ran over to where the rest of the team were.

A few have mentioned Old was pretty quiet again which I think in the circumstances was fair enough being down to 10, but he has again shown he's often our most dangerous play breaking kind of player. He did bloody well to slipped past a defender and find some space to pick out OVH for what ended up being the penalty.
Dead keen to see us try get him on the ball and isolated against defenders more often

Smeltz4PM

A few have mentioned Old was pretty quiet again which I think in the circumstances was fair enough being down to 10, but he has again shown he's often our most dangerous play breaking kind of player. He did bloody well to slipped past a defender and find some space to pick out OVH for what ended up being the penalty.
Dead keen to see us try get him on the ball and isolated against defenders more often

Old is probably our best creative threat but in my opinion, from a team point of view, rather than individual, I don't think that means he should start. He's is so effective when he's fresh against a tiring defence from 60 minutes onwards.

Even though MV probably edged the first half, having not got the lead at half time, I strongly believe, had we been 11, we would have won the match in the second half.

OVH needs more time on the pitch. That left footed effort was outstanding. It was 50/50 whether it went in, he was just out of luck not ability. 

Personally I like Old starting. Just about all of his best performances this season have come from being trusted with a starting spot. I think back to the game against WSW for example when he started the game and scored with a very composed finish in the 94th minute. If he's got the fitness, and he does seem to, then he should be on.

That said I thought his ball control was often frustrating poor last night, especially in the 1st half. 2nd half he performed his defensive duties well when we were playing for the 0-0 draw, then after MV's goal he sprang to life and looked extremely dangerous.

Outpost

Personally I like Old starting. Just about all of his best performances this season have come from being trusted with a starting spot. I think back to the game against WSW for example when he started the game and scored with a very composed finish in the 94th minute. If he's got the fitness, and he does seem to, then he should be on.

That said I thought his ball control was often frustrating poor last night, especially in the 1st half. 2nd half he performed his defensive duties well when we were playing for the 0-0 draw, then after MV's goal he sprang to life and looked extremely dangerous.

Agreed. I also thought Old struggled somewhat in the first half against MV and I am not sure if it was just their press (which was not necessarily that bad) or their speed that he could not cope with. The third option is that he was just not fully awake in the first half hence the somewhat sloppy passing.  Not enough to call it out. but noticeable.

Old is brilliant but often over plays his had, he's one of those players that can beat the first and second marker but will always try and get past the third instead of passing to the free player. I don't know if it's selfishness or that he is often not looking up, he's always looking at the ball and seems to be largely unaware of his support.
Against tiring legs he's easily the best threat we have, but against fresh defenders who know who he is, not so effective. He'll get better though.

theprof

Old is brilliant but often over plays his had, he's one of those players that can beat the first and second marker but will always try and get past the third instead of passing to the free player. I don't know if it's selfishness or that he is often not looking up, he's always looking at the ball and seems to be largely unaware of his support.
Against tiring legs he's easily the best threat we have, but against fresh defenders who know who he is, not so effective. He'll get better though.

I agree. I think that the coach has to consider what has the greatest influence on getting a favourable result. IMAO a fresh Old in the last 30 is a major factor. A starting Old is much less a factor. 

I understand though there are other considerations. Chiefy doesn't want a disgruntled or demotivated player, so it's a balance. Old wants to start. Therefore you have to manage it. This in my opinion is where Chiefy is way above Talay, he understands human factors. 

Oceanic6

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350153938/watch-wellington-phoenix-fans-fight-rival-supporters

Pieces of crap.  Hopefully some of the videos that were clearly being recorded in that video get caught so the Nix have more faces to ban.

Maate, been a long time since I posted here but I've seen too many shark reckons about what happened at the end of the game on Friday from people who weren't there (and a few who were) to not offer my version.

I was actually in the bay where the fight occurred and I think it can be best characterised as a minor dust-up between two groups of fans who don't regularly attend games at Sky and just don't understand what the unspoken rules are.

On the one hand you've got a small group of Victory fans who didn't do anything particularly wrong but it's clear from the comments I've seen that they feel like the bay was 'their bay' and it was 'stormed' by Nix fans. That's just not how it works at Sky Stadium. Me and my son moved there at half-time with maybe 100 other fans purely to watch the Nix attack that end. We often do that if we're attacking that end in the 2nd half basically because we can, which is really cool. So no malicious intent at all but I could see that the Victory fans weren't exactly comfortable with a load of extra Nix fans turning up for the 2nd half. I can imagine if that happened in Australia it would be problematic but I feel like they maybe made assumptions about what was happening that they brought with them from Oz and which don't reflect the reality of a game at Sky.

On the other hand there were at least 2 separate groups among those Nix fans who were younger, a bit boozed and obviously not regulars. No Nix gear, didn't know any chants, and really shark banter. I mean rugby test match level of terrible bantz. Crucially, they also clearly did not know how to deal with the away fans in the way that most Yellow Fever or regular Nix fans would. I doubt a single one of them even knows about the famous conga line when we hosted the Victory years ago which to this day is one of the coolest piss-takes I've ever seen of the stupid wanna-be-ultra mentality of a few too many Aussie fan groups.

Midway through the 2nd half Red Badge did ask one group of Nix fans who were right in front of the Victory fans to move so they definitely knew that there was a bit of a vibe. As the half wore on a more visible presence from them would have been helpful.

When the Victory scored their fans did what you would reasonably expect but there probably was a little bit of extra lip given to the Nix fans (or at least perceived to be given due to the slightly off vibes). When the Nix got a penalty some Nix fans did move in a bit closer to the Victory fans to give a bit back and when Rufer scored is when it suddenly spilled over - there was a brief flurry of punches between a couple of guys (I honestly don't know who threw first) and then a rolling maul of about 5-10 guys trying to separate them for about a minute. A couple of Red Badge did reappear and were eventually successful in helping to break it up. Not trying to minimise the actual fight but it really was what you'd describe as handbags. That said, I was still genuinely surprised when it happened and there's no doubt it was upsetting for the visitors who definitely would have been more concerned about what was happening to them on unfamiliar territory. It was still a very shark look for us.

If the Nix really can identify the 2 or 3 main protagonists and ban them that would be fair. I doubt they'd care though as they almost certainly weren't regulars (a ban from the stadium might be a different story though).

A couple of other not-too-serious contributing factors to mention:

1. The Victory captain threw his support under the bus by attacking that end in the first half. That was a dog act and nearly as bad as the Nic playing in their away kit at home (I know why, I just don't care). It's just not the way it's done at Sky where the Nix always attack in front of the Fever in the 2nd half. We don't move if the Nix attack that end in the 1st half because there's not time.

2. This season the Nix have made it impossible to get all the way to Aisle 36 so it's a bit more compressed around Aisle 31-32. Not sure why that is but my experience in the past is that it allowed away fans to separate themselves a bit more.

Anyway, that's all my reckons on this. I really hope it doesn't result in putting anymore restrictions on home fans ability to move around the stadium because that would be an over-reaction. Identify the main culprits here and give them well-publicised bans and in future if there's away fans just get a couple of Red Badge to sit in a couple of empty rows between them and the home fans and she'd be sorted I reckon.

Looks like a bunch of 12 year olds in the video.

Ban them and move on. 

terminator_x

Maate, been a long time since I posted here but I've seen too many shark reckons about what happened at the end of the game on Friday from people who weren't there (and a few who were) to not offer my version.

I was actually in the bay where the fight occurred and I think it can be best characterised as a minor dust-up between two groups of fans who don't regularly attend games at Sky and just don't understand what the unspoken rules are.

On the one hand you've got a small group of Victory fans who didn't do anything particularly wrong but it's clear from the comments I've seen that they feel like the bay was 'their bay' and it was 'stormed' by Nix fans. That's just not how it works at Sky Stadium. Me and my son moved there at half-time with maybe 100 other fans purely to watch the Nix attack that end. We often do that if we're attacking that end in the 2nd half basically because we can, which is really cool. So no malicious intent at all but I could see that the Victory fans weren't exactly comfortable with a load of extra Nix fans turning up for the 2nd half. I can imagine if that happened in Australia it would be problematic but I feel like they maybe made assumptions about what was happening that they brought with them from Oz and which don't reflect the reality of a game at Sky.

On the other hand there were at least 2 separate groups among those Nix fans who were younger, a bit boozed and obviously not regulars. No Nix gear, didn't know any chants, and really shark banter. I mean rugby test match level of terrible bantz. Crucially, they also clearly did not know how to deal with the away fans in the way that most Yellow Fever or regular Nix fans would. I doubt a single one of them even knows about the famous conga line when we hosted the Victory years ago which to this day is one of the coolest piss-takes I've ever seen of the stupid wanna-be-ultra mentality of a few too many Aussie fan groups.

Midway through the 2nd half Red Badge did ask one group of Nix fans who were right in front of the Victory fans to move so they definitely knew that there was a bit of a vibe. As the half wore on a more visible presence from them would have been helpful.

When the Victory scored their fans did what you would reasonably expect but there probably was a little bit of extra lip given to the Nix fans (or at least perceived to be given due to the slightly off vibes). When the Nix got a penalty some Nix fans did move in a bit closer to the Victory fans to give a bit back and when Rufer scored is when it suddenly spilled over - there was a brief flurry of punches between a couple of guys (I honestly don't know who threw first) and then a rolling maul of about 5-10 guys trying to separate them for about a minute. A couple of Red Badge did reappear and were eventually successful in helping to break it up. Not trying to minimise the actual fight but it really was what you'd describe as handbags. That said, I was still genuinely surprised when it happened and there's no doubt it was upsetting for the visitors who definitely would have been more concerned about what was happening to them on unfamiliar territory. It was still a very shark look for us.

If the Nix really can identify the 2 or 3 main protagonists and ban them that would be fair. I doubt they'd care though as they almost certainly weren't regulars (a ban from the stadium might be a different story though).

A couple of other not-too-serious contributing factors to mention:

1. The Victory captain threw his support under the bus by attacking that end in the first half. That was a dog act and nearly as bad as the Nic playing in their away kit at home (I know why, I just don't care). It's just not the way it's done at Sky where the Nix always attack in front of the Fever in the 2nd half. We don't move if the Nix attack that end in the 1st half because there's not time.

2. This season the Nix have made it impossible to get all the way to Aisle 36 so it's a bit more compressed around Aisle 31-32. Not sure why that is but my experience in the past is that it allowed away fans to separate themselves a bit more.

Anyway, that's all my reckons on this. I really hope it doesn't result in putting anymore restrictions on home fans ability to move around the stadium because that would be an over-reaction. Identify the main culprits here and give them well-publicised bans and in future if there's away fans just get a couple of Red Badge to sit in a couple of empty rows between them and the home fans and she'd be sorted I reckon.

As someone who wasn’t there, this is all I saw on the video. I couldn’t really see what I was looking for 🤷‍♂️glad the culprits sound like joe bloggs’, and it doesn’t surprise. I hope that turns out to be the case. It’s a shame as the club are working hard to entice folk back. We don’t need this sort of coverage and behaviour.

If they are kids - ban them for 3 years, but not for life.

MetalLegNZ

If they are kids - ban them for 3 years, but not for life.

ban them til they can drink 10 Turbo Shandies and not start a rumble

I say publicly execute them in the centre circle as the half time entertainment next home game