In a bold and candid appeal, Socceroos veteran Miloš Degenek has voiced a desire to see flares make a fiery comeback at Australian football matches. His stance comes amidst growing concerns over the heavy-handed policing of fans, which he believes has dulled the passionate atmosphere long synonymous with the sport in Australia.
Expecting more than 50,000 spectators at Perth Stadium this Thursday night, Australia is set to host Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The match carries significant weight, not only for the outcome on the pitch but also for the atmosphere that surrounds it. Less than a week prior, riot police had to quell unruly fans during Melbourne City’s A-League Men grand final victory over Melbourne Victory, a game marred by chaos and a pitch invasion that echoed back to Victory’s infamous 2021 riot.
During that incident, approximately 20 flares were ignited within the crowd, and a police officer was reportedly injured and hospitalized after being kicked. Football Australia’s strict ban on pyrotechnics means anyone caught with flares faces severe bans, yet Degenek feels the current restrictions have gone too far, stifling the raw passion that fuels the sport.
“It would be a lot nicer if when countries come to Australia to play against us, the crowd was a little bit more hostile,” Degenek said in Perth on Tuesday. “Put it this way. I played in Serbia. I played at Red Star Belgrade, in the Eternal Derby where you play Partizan, where flares are thrown onto the pitch, where the city gets shut down on game day. But in the end, that’s normal for me. There’s no fear.”
Having experienced the electric atmosphere of hostile football environments abroad, Degenek believes Australian fans are being robbed of the chance to create an intimidating spectacle. His comments highlight a growing debate about the balance between safety and passion, with many supporters feeling that overly strict policing diminishes the fervor that once defined Australian football crowds.
As the Socceroos prepare for what promises to be an electrifying night in Perth, Degenek’s call echoes a desire for fans to reclaim their fiery spirit, adding a new dimension to what should be a celebration of the beautiful game.
+ There are no comments
Add yours