The article below appeared in the Canberra Times and is the very last thing you would hope to see about the beautiful game in the ACT region.
A section of the CFC supporters, camped in a section of the wooden tiered seating stand at Deakin Stadium, behaved in appalling fashion at the Capital Football run Mens Premier League Grand Final. This group were resplendent in their CFC and Croatian colors, waving a number of Croatian flags and chanting. Some were well fueled with alcohol by the time the premier league grand final commenced. They let off a variety of pyrotechnics (smoke and high intensity signal flares), a dangerous and grossly irresponsible act in itself in and around a large group of people, very nearly starting a grass fire in the parland behind the wooden stand. I was struck by the number of CFC supporters who wore a black T shirt with "Croatian Passion" on the front. Veru nice T shirt but what was that about and why weren't they wearing CFC T shirts?
CFC supporters who are positively identified as being a part of this disgraceful episode and are registered players, seem certain to be given notice to appear before a Capital Football Discipline and Disputes Tribunal. I am informed by Capital Football that they will be pursued. If they are found guilty, and there is every reason to think that will happen, the sort of behavior some of these individuals appear to have engaged in, breaches the FFA spectator code of behavior, most definitely brings the game into disrepute, and attracts very severe punishments. If guilty they should plan on being away from football in every respect (playing / spectating / anything football run by the FFA) for a long time - in their case, Football will be for some years, nothing more than a memory. Its that serious. Who on earth encouraged these people to behave as they did?
Canberra FC has some serious questions to answer - it was their supporters, they didn't belong to anyone else that day - there is no escaping that fact. CFC certainly face severe penalties. What they might be seems to range from substantial fines to having their premier licence withdrawn for a period of time. Again, its that serious. The further consequence of their supporters appalling behavior may well be that they forfeit their desire to enter the Football NSW premier league competitions. Why would Capital Football support them and if they do not, why would Football NSW take a chance on CFC? Without Capital Football's support it is very difficult to see why Football NSW would give them serious consideration. And this is one matter that will go all the way to the top at the FFA, Capital Football would be foolish to do otherwise. Again, its that serious!
If the comments in the CT article below, attributed to the President of CFC are correct, then as they say "Houston we have a problem'!
The CFC President is good bloke in Football, but he appears to fail to comprehend that we are not playing this game in Croatia, nor in Greece for that matter, and this was not a game between Croatia and Greece, it was a game between two terrific ACT premier league teams. CFC plays in these competitions at the pleasure of Capital Football. We are no overseas! And even if they do behave like this elsewhere (and I accept they do), the bad behavior of others is no reason to excuse it here in the ACT region. The CFC President's reasoning, as quoted in the article below is about as convincing as "the dog ate my homework"!
As to people getting drunk at the ground, well, it would probably help if they were unable to buy more than a can at a time and opened at point of sale, as opposed to what appeared to be the purchase of plastic shopping bags full of unopened cans. As to no one being hurt, we are all grateful for that, but it was no thanks to those that moved beyond the bounds of what is acceptable at a public event. Put another way - just lucky! Public safety was compromised by the actions of a group of CFC supporters and whether anyone was hurt or not, does not decide the matter.
What would have happened if Canberra Olympic had won? I shudder to think, because this noisy mob had no hesitation invading the pitch at full time, firing off flares and smoke. I guess we can be grateful for small mercies, but it doesn't do CFC any good in this matter. And how does the President of CFC explain the "Croatia, Croatia..." chant in front of the dressing rooms after the game, or the "Croatia Passion" T shirts worn by CFC supporters? He can't possibly be happy with the situation some of the Club supporters have brought upon he and his hard working team. This is no time for misplaced loyalty!
There is no going back now for either Capital Football or CFC.
The line in the sand is now drawn by the CEO Capital Football.and I cannot imagine too many in the football community extending there commiserations to CFC in this matter. Honestly, have the massive changes in the game, demanded by the Federal Government and delivered by the FFA and member federations, completely bypassed some of the people in our football community? Seems like it.
Hell of a way to end a season. It masks the fact that the two teams (CFC and Canberra Olympic) are such fantastic teams, well coached and well matched, glittering as they do with a significant number of most talented young players. This was meant to be about Football, not the fools who attempted to insinuate ther way into the game and the event, by making inappropriate and potentially divisive appeals to the CFC's Croatian football heritage. Simply wrong on so many levels.
Just don't loose sight of one thing - a section of the CFC supporters caused a lot of trouble, very nasty stuff, the sort of thing the FFA has been at pains to remove from our game. Well, its been visited upon us in football and must be stamped out quickly. We owe a great debt to the cultural diversity and influences in the development of football in Australia, and CFC is a substantial part of that in the ACT, but what presented itself at Deakin Stadium at the grand final was not part of it.
None of this needed to have happened and nor should it be tolerated.
We'll see how this unfolds.
Capital Football to come down hard on FC fans
21 Sep, 2011 04:00 AM
Ugly crowd behaviour is set to cost Canberra FC plenty in
the hip pocket, but also threatens the club's bid to be reinstated to the NSW
premier league.
Capital Football has promised to ''come down very, very hard'' on the ACT
men's premier league champions after off-field drama marred its 8-5 grand final
victory against Canberra Olympic last Saturday night.Up to a dozen flares were lit at Deakin Stadium in scenes reminiscent of
European soccer with between 30 and 40 Canberra FC supporters involved.
There have also been allegations of Canberra FC supporters directing verbal abuse towards Capital Football officials and security staff.
Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid said it was imperative that the undesired small element of the 2000-strong crowd be stamped out.
''It was idiotic, vulgar, abusive, inappropriate behaviour that belongs somewhere else, it does not belong at our football games,'' Reid said. ''The verbal abuse that was levelled at me and other staff and security will not be tolerated.
''Those people will be put on notice that we do not want them in our sport.
''We're going to come down very, very hard on those people.''
Reid said the trouble wasn't unexpected after a Canberra FC fan had ignited a flare during its preliminary final win against Belconnen United the week before.
She said she had warned Canberra FC officials that while singing and chanting was acceptable, the lighting of flares would cross the line.
Capital Football employed three security staff from a private firm.
Canberra FC president Marko Vrkic disputed the number of flares that were lit and didn't have a problem with the way his club's supporters celebrated.
''Overseas it's different, it's normal atmosphere,'' Vrkic said. ''You can't control what's happening with 2000-3000 people.
''It's not nice, but you can't stop someone from drinking too much.''
Canberra FC has been the dominant force in ACT men's soccer for the past decade, winning 10 of the 11 past league titles.
That's led the club to consider a return to the NSW premier league in search of a higher standard of competition. And while Capital Football has supported that request, Reid said this latest incident could make it reconsider its position.
''Canberra FC aspire to play in the NSW premier league and this won't do them any favours,'' she said.
''We have supported that approach, but now we'd have to question it. A club called Canberra FC can't be our ambassador with behaviour like that.''
Vrkic reacted angrily to those comments.
''If they don't support us, they don't support football in Canberra,'' he said. ''They are totally wrong.''
Vrkic stressed there were no injuries stemming from the behaviour.
Capital Football is expected to issue Canberra FC with breach notices by the end of the week once its investigations are complete.
There have also been allegations of Canberra FC supporters directing verbal abuse towards Capital Football officials and security staff.
Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid said it was imperative that the undesired small element of the 2000-strong crowd be stamped out.
''It was idiotic, vulgar, abusive, inappropriate behaviour that belongs somewhere else, it does not belong at our football games,'' Reid said. ''The verbal abuse that was levelled at me and other staff and security will not be tolerated.
''Those people will be put on notice that we do not want them in our sport.
''We're going to come down very, very hard on those people.''
Reid said the trouble wasn't unexpected after a Canberra FC fan had ignited a flare during its preliminary final win against Belconnen United the week before.
She said she had warned Canberra FC officials that while singing and chanting was acceptable, the lighting of flares would cross the line.
Capital Football employed three security staff from a private firm.
Canberra FC president Marko Vrkic disputed the number of flares that were lit and didn't have a problem with the way his club's supporters celebrated.
''Overseas it's different, it's normal atmosphere,'' Vrkic said. ''You can't control what's happening with 2000-3000 people.
''It's not nice, but you can't stop someone from drinking too much.''
Canberra FC has been the dominant force in ACT men's soccer for the past decade, winning 10 of the 11 past league titles.
That's led the club to consider a return to the NSW premier league in search of a higher standard of competition. And while Capital Football has supported that request, Reid said this latest incident could make it reconsider its position.
''Canberra FC aspire to play in the NSW premier league and this won't do them any favours,'' she said.
''We have supported that approach, but now we'd have to question it. A club called Canberra FC can't be our ambassador with behaviour like that.''
Vrkic reacted angrily to those comments.
''If they don't support us, they don't support football in Canberra,'' he said. ''They are totally wrong.''
Vrkic stressed there were no injuries stemming from the behaviour.
Capital Football is expected to issue Canberra FC with breach notices by the end of the week once its investigations are complete.
You cant get ethnicity out of clubs in Canberra with such a small population, who then will play for/run these clubs?
ReplyDeleteThis is bound to happen when you have a team named CANBERRA FC with checks on their emblem. I also know of several other clubs in the ACT who wave national flags and scream their name.
This is nothing new Peter!
CF are to blame as they allowed this to happen...
Vrkic's commentry sums it up... These guys do not give a crap about football, only themselves. He doesn't have a problem with that behavior... sigh. With leadership like that at the club are we really expecting anything to change?
ReplyDeleteRemove Canberra from their name and stop talking about them as a 'force' in Canberra football. It's not rocket science to coerce the best players using money and ethnicity to come and play for you and win premierships in Canberra, and it does nothing to progress the professionalism of our game.
Capital Football aren't to blame, unless they once again yield to the 'if we don't get our way you can't use our stadium' mentality and do nothing meaningful about it.
Lets hope that line in the sand is a big one, because it's going to take something drastic to change the mentality. Maybe Mr Vrkic should get acquainted with the code of conduct from his website.. http://www.canberrafc.com/code-conduct
I'm all for noisy enthusiastic crowds, but those guys crossed the line. Leaving aside the fact that they made themselves look like complete wankers (which unfortunately is not against the rules).
ReplyDeleteSinging chanting and flying your colours, even if they are offensive chants, is fine.
Giving the opposition fans some stick is fine.
Even the streaker I don't mind having a chuckle about- although if you do that you run the risk of prosecution, that's the rules.
Lighting flares in that situation is stupid and dangerous, especially when you're so stupid that you throw it backwards towards where all the young kids are running around playing. Invading the pitch is also crossing the line, and from what I've heard giving the CF officials some pretty offensive abuse-over the line.
The Club could have stopped it, but obviously doesn't think the line is in the same place as everyone else, and that's probably your problem.
The bottom line is that that sort of thing is exactly what has held this sport back for so long, and it's ugly to see. Parents take note of which club you don't want you kids to play at.
The one 2nd from the left in the red jacket in the photo looks a lot like the club president...
ReplyDeleteNot condoning the flares - but where was Capital Football with a bag check at the gate to stop this from happening? And PROPER security. Canberra FC had nothing to do with the security at this game as it was a Capital Football event. My dad sat near the CFC fans (not by choice) and had no complaints - even at the age 60 and with a conservative personality. If you check the article on the Canberra Times website you will notice that most people loved the atmosphere FOR ONCE. I have friends that will continue to watch games if the atmosphere is similar. These people you are criticising helped to create that. I'm not saying that they were without fault, but the paper and Heather Reid have blown it out of proportion. I want to see that passion and chanting - remove the flares and we're fine in my opinion. Also, as a player for Canberra FC I'm sick of people saying we "buy" our championship teams. Of the 11 that took the field for the final, seven were Deakin juniors and two have been at Deakin for well over five years. I made my first grade debut over 10 years ago, when I was 16 - they taught me how to play and now I'm helping to bring them trophies, like most of my teammates.
ReplyDelete"Not condoning the flares - but where was Capital Football with a bag check at the gate to stop this from happening? And PROPER security."
ReplyDeleteThere as a proper bag check. These Canberra FC 'supporters', and I use the term loosely, threw the flares over the back fence to their mates who were already in the ground. How's a bag check going to stop that?
Obviously CF did a poor job running the GF. If any other Club was running it no doubt CF would come down on the Club like a tonne of bricks.
ReplyDeleteThere's no excusing flares and smoke bombs - CF should take action and fine CFC and also fine themselves.
I have a question though - why is it that in Australia that being proud of your ethnicity is frowned upon? In every other country ethnicity is accepted. Have a look at the lower level football comps around the world and you will find many ethnic clubs proudly showing their colours, whereas in Australia clubs are discouraged from using emblems and ethnic names.
I wasn't checked, so I dare say the bag check wasn't a proper one. As for the security, how are two overweight security guards (no offence to them) adequate for a crowd of roughly 2,500? A slight increase in their numbers could have had all angles of the ground covered - including the back fence. It's not like CF didn't know the layout of the ground. Once again, I'm not condoning what happened, but Capital Football need to look into their part in this saga too rather than shift the entire blame onto Canberra FC. Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteThe security was a joke. Enough said. Adequate security would have meant a world of difference. I think capital football (as yes, it was a capital football event) should be taking a look at themselves first before passing the blame on. I don't condone the behaviour of CFC supporters, but at the same time, fans will be fans. A flare was lit at the semi-final against belconnen, so it was quite inevitable that the same would happen in the finals. Wasn't that a clear enough signal? Could have all easily been avoided through tighter security. 'Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how much nonsense is here. Did anyone notice the 13 goals? Peter shudders to think what would have happened if Olympic had won - are you serious? We would likely have had to have sat through another rendition of "you can shove your f#*#ing Deakin up your f!&#ing a**" just as we had to two weeks prior as that chant bellowed from the away change room after that match. As usual, we cop it on the chin and get on with football. Some of the clothing worn by spectators at the final also seems to bother some people. Maybe CF could help out by issuing an "Approved chant and dress code" regulation for matches. Sort of like they do in North Korea. Those folks always look like they are having a good time.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity all the good work done creating a great atmosphere was ruined by a couple of people taking it too far. It really was only a few people doing the wrong thing, and could easily have been avoided by a stern word from a club official. Blaming Capital Football is a real cop out, people need to be accountable for their actions. Unfortunately now that it's in the media we all look like the soccer hooligans they would like us to be.
ReplyDeleteOff topic like the post above, I'd be interested in the breakdown of CFC players that were CFC juniors. Not saying it's not the case, I just wouldn't have thought so.
Anyone questioning CFC's pedigree should come and join us for a quiet drink in the club one day. We can walk past the trophy cabinet, look at the pictures of past years juniors and then follow those pictures to those in the bar room of all our international representatives and players that have had professional careers in Australia and overseas. Our success is not bought! Nor is it accidental. We love football. We are a true football club, perhaps light on administrators but very heavy on coaches, development and players with a desire to be the best. We would love to see the rest of the league catch up because it would give us a reason to work even harder. Hardest part now is keeping our squad interested. Olympic did it this year and look at the final it produced. It should be like that every week.
ReplyDeleteCFC Juniors from the starting 11 from the final: Ivan Pavlak, Adam Spaleta, John Glass, Aidan Brunskill, Ryan Keir, Mat Grbesa, Paul Ivanic.
ReplyDeleteBeen at the club for 5+ years: Stevie Lee, Ben Klug.
Tied to the club because his dad has coached on and off (in various age groups) over the years: Ian Graham.
That leaves Marcin Zygmunt as the only starting player not really tied to the club in any way, but he came across to CFC with his good friend, former junior Victor Yanes a few years ago.
We won so who cares what happened.
ReplyDeleteGood thing noone was hurt, because Capital Football would have definitely been liable. Two security guards for 2,500 people is a joke. The CT article, Heather Reid's and your comments all smack of both envy and a lack of savvy on how to build a successful regional football league. Were you not whinging before that CF were charging for entry at the final? What, pray tell, was this money used for? Methinks Heather Reid saw dollar signs and decided to go one step further and skim a bit off the top of CFC's pool. Most exciting grand final in Canberra and decade and we've got you and Heather the fun-nazis trying to send us back to the dark ages. Funny, if it was a Women's Grand Final I'm sure Heather would have nothing but praise, funny that!
ReplyDeleteHi Fellows,
ReplyDeleteGreat atmosphere, best game seen in the ACT in a long time. My family and kids had a great time. We never felt threatened at any time. The police never cautioned or arrested any one. CFC is now a multicultural club. Is Read trying to fuel the racist card? If such is the case, she has to go . Canberra Football covered the Australian flag at Deakin stadium. I believe that MS Read misread the situation and has embelished her statement for personal advancement.
Congratulations to Canberra football for a most exciting game and atmosphere. I cannot believe how Ms Read of Canberra Football misread the situation. I believe that she is trying to play the racist card as both clubs had multicultulturalism in action on Saturday. If that is the case Ms Read must appologise and step down and not try to penalise one club alone when some other clubs have overstepped the mark all season!
ReplyDeletethis article is nothing but racist remarks. who says you can't wear this shirt or that shirt? you have no idea. who are you to say what chants can and can't be used? mate get of your high horse
ReplyDeleteDoes Ms Read want the game to be bland and flat. She is going about it the right way.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we should take up political correctness as a sport.
Stop being a racist and against ethnic culture and their clubs.
ReplyDeleteyou all want Canberra fc out so that you can all enjoy your 3rd division competition. ****JEALOUS.
Capital football is liable for everything that happened on Saturday night not the club. Heather Reid is taking this personal and should be dismissed of her duties as CEO. she and the writer have no idea in football and probably have never kicked a ball before. get a life!
I can only wonder if CFC lost - would there be this much controversy?????!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe writer of this article has blown it way
ReplyDeleteout of proportion he or she has no idea about
soccer and the passion of the CFC supporters
Alot of people have said they loved the
atmosphere and will come to Deakin stadium
again. Heather Reid has overreacted big time
on this. The writer also said why did they wear
shirts that said Croatian pride? Why not we are
of Croatian background and the club has a
Croatian background. If he doesnt like it then
dont come. He obviously knew something was
going to happen thats why he came to the game
Heather Reid should leave soccer to be run
by men. Women CEOs have no place in soccer.
Looks like the Canberra FC fans have found your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the break down of the CFC Juniors, it would be good for all teams to show how many of their first graders are from their own Club.
Before I provide any commentary on the grand final I would like to point out I am not Croatian or Greek, however I am a local football fan. Unfortunately, the grand final will not be remembered for the best attacking style of football played in Canberra for who knows how long!
ReplyDeleteA few years back Capital football made a decision that would see all nationalities cease affiliation with any local teams, did capital football ensure this was done properly? Considering the grand final was played between Croatia and Greece, it brings me no joy to tell you capital football failed.
When this nationality stance was first implicated premier league crowds dropped dramatically, which meant less turnover for capital football.
Slowly the screws have loosened over the past few years & last weekends GF chants etc was thanks to capital football and there control or lack of over our great game.
Demanding players to forget there or there families background, maybe capital football should have imposed no religion in the game?
What is wrong with a football club having heritage which just so happens to be from out side of Australia? Don't we live in a multicultural country?
Maybe capital football needs a reality check to get with the times because the Australia I live in promotes multiculturalism!
Are we all contributing registration monies to a racist football organisation?
I am sure that with all our multicultural financial contributions I could create a local league which encourages heritage because this is what passion is.
Passion is a great way to market our great game, isn't capital footballs job to promote our game?
If supporters are playing up, why cant the Australian law take its course?
Look forward to any responses........
The incidents last week and the reaction by Canberra FC especially the comments in the press attributed to the club seem to show that that there are certain elements within the club who are out of touch and need to move on in order for the club to realise its true potential. There have been many unsavoury incidents involving the club's coaches, officials and so called supporters over the past couple of seasons, and not just with their PL mens teams (sadly even stretching to small sided non-competitive games) which Capital Football are fully aware of. However the failure of the club and Capital Football to seriously act against this minority of bad apples has led to a growing tendency toward bad behaviour by more at the club. The club is at a crossroads and how it reacts to this latest most public of incidents will partly determine its long term future. So far sadly it seems on the face of it that it does not understand that the line has been crossed way too many times over the past season or two and that this cannot continue.
ReplyDeleteThis last comment is a gem. "Many unsavoury incidents...stretching to small sided non-competitive games", "a growing tendancy toward bad behaviour". You clearly know nothing about CFC yet are able to publicly tarnish our name. I have been at the Club for 30 years in various capacities and can remember some very ordinary situations. We are a long way from those days. All clubs, across all levels, end up in heated situations during a season. If they don't, they clearly don't care about their football. Anyone remember Muscat (player) pushing Kosmina (opposing coach) over in the A League, Sir Alex banned from the sideline, Zidanes send off in a World Cup final? We don't claim to be perfect but we definitely aren't the only ones either. Whether it is tall poppy syndrome or a form of racism, these sweeping statements about our club are unjustified. In the eyes of some people, I guess whatever we do, we will always be those bad guys from CFC.
ReplyDeleteGood onya Peter for allowing comments from both sides onto the blog. Didn't like your write up but everyone seems to be getting a fair say.
ReplyDeleteOur Beautiful Game is enhanced by a Multicultural Australia.
ReplyDeleteI am disappointed to read your blog Peter and your take on the Canberra times article.
First and foremost, I congratulate Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic on an epic grand final encounter. An amazing display of football talent, passion, and dedication by all players was laid bare for all to enjoy. Congratulations Canberra FC for winning an unprecedented 10th title over the last eleven years. It would seem that Nearpost and most other commentators have forgotten about the fantastic game that was the showpiece of football in the ACT.
There are very specific rules in the FFA that were broken on the night, I am not condoning that. The process will run its due course here.
However, as for the persistent reference to and insult of our heritage, I am very, very disappointed. One of the greatest things about being Australian is our diversity and multiculturalism. Our ability to embrace people from all walks of life. Canberra FC, the “so called” Croatian club, epitomises what cultural diversity means. Canberra FC hosts within its ranks players with heritage and ties to Croatia, Macedonia, Greece, Italy, France, Britain, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Samoa and other backgrounds. When you make comments like “we are not playing this game in Croatia, nor in Greece for that matter, and this was not a game between Croatia and Greece” you deliberately undermine and devalue what it is to be an Australian. You fan the flames of racism and devalue the heritage of Football in Canberra. Interesting to note here that players and families who do not have a Croatian background, actually enjoy and enhance the atmosphere at the club. Why? Because they are welcomed in the true spirit of football, and not judged by his or her racial background.
The immigrants and so called “ethnics” that have called Canberra home are one of the reasons football thrives. Their passion and dedication to the sport (let’s face it, partly comes from the fact that they are related to or neighbours of a professional footballer in Europe) is what drives Canberra FC. Ten titles in eleven years is a testament to that. Results don’t lie. Your article and the Canberra Times article seems to imply that “our game” is one that doesn’t include people with ethnic backgrounds (or at least don’t mention or embrace your heritage, which is the same thing). Well, I have an ethnic background; let me assure you, that “our game” to me means a multicultural Australia, a game for all, not just for some. I am sick to death of commentators like Near Post always referring to our ethnicity as soon as there is a sign of disturbance.
Being the true blue Australian that I am, I embrace another of our Ozzie traditions, our tendency to go for the underdog. Canberra FC has one hundred and forty (140) juniors that support our Premier League teams, a true “under dog” in every sense of the word. Yet the club wins an unprecedented amount of titles. In your words Peter “CFC plays in these competitions at the pleasure of Capital Football”, is a statement that is both arrogant and irresponsible (perhaps proves you are a microphone for CF). It shows yet again that Capital Football likes to wield the big stick at Canberra FC. Simply because Canberra FC win, when the weight of numbers suggests we shouldn’t. We take pride in our heritage, and we make every endeavour to be respectful in the way we do that. If you don’t believe that, then believe in the number of “internationals” that have come from our club. Not bad for a small club.
Thank you family and friends for the support of our besieged club, and I quote Peter’s Near Post yet again, “the line in the sand is now drawn”. The line is indeed drawn, united we stand, divided we fall. You can take “Croatia Deakin” out of Canberra FC, but you will never ever take the “ich” out of Marko Vrkic. God Bless you Marko and Canberra FC.
OK, probably time to say something. I’ll do this in two parts because of the restrictions on comment size.
ReplyDeletePart 1
You confuse the football played during the mens Pl GF with the unacceptable behavior of a small group of CFC supporters. Two completely different matters. You do a disservice to the players and, as you correctly point (and I know from attending many, many CFC games over the years)a high successful Canberra Pl club.
We disagree on the standard of the football in that game - for me it was not a patch on the two game that went before. Entertaining, yes, lots of goals always are and in this case from both teams, but again, in my view, not to the saem tactical standard as the previous two games. I mention this in order to point out to you that it is possible to discuss the football and not mention the appalling behavior of that small group of CFC supporters. This small group were an unwelcome and unnecessary addition to a good day at Football - and I was there all day.
As you say, this group of CFC supporters did break some important rules. And as you say, the CF discipline process which is now in motion, will work its way through to a conclusion. I suspect, based on similar behavior by others from from other clubs, if found guilty, the penalties are likely to be severe. And so they should be. I haven't spoken to anyone who has a problem with that and its not because in this case they are CFC supporters.
Now the uncomfortable bit.
It was the CFC supporters, the ones who behave badly at the GF, that introduced to ethnic issues to the day. They made an overt appeal to their Croatian ethnicity when they displayed Croatian flags and so on. The clear impression was that this was not simply CFC - the football club I admire and enjoy seeing play - it was "Croatia". The evening ended amid the pitch invasion and chanting (and some abuse as I recall hearing) with a loud and persistent call by this group and joined by a few others - "Croatia, Croatia ..." Pretty impressive I thought, but not waht should have happened at that time and in that place and in those circumstances. Not what the FFA or CF wants of its Clubs. I point out to you that this is no longer acceptable and hasn't been for years (since Crawford report and early for that matter in NSW) and you call me racist, you accuse me of fanning the flame of racism. Unbelievable.
Please, just come to grips with the fact that a group of CFC supporters behaved very badly and have now landed CFC and CF into a lot of difficulty and the overt and unnecessary display of ethnicity was neither inappropriate nor acceptable in these circumstances. The only person to accuse anyone of racist behavior is, very regrettably yourself. What do you say to those CFC supporters? I'm sorry, but you are looking for something that is;t in teh minds of those that have the task of running the game here in the ACT or the FFA and certainly not in this Blog.
read next part.
Some thoughts in response
ReplyDeletePart 2
Sir, do you understand that Football is no longer run on an ethnic basis. As much as it gave it damn near crippled the game for good. If have many memories of attending matches, mostly in Sydney, of terrific football clashes and dangerous and threatening behavior by sections of supporters from different club. What I saw at the CF GF by a small group of CFC supporters, took me back in time. Fortunately it did not get to the point that many other matches between teams proclaiming allegiance to specific ethnicity etc got too in the past, so perhaps that progress. But its not good enough, not wanted and is not an acceptable way to celebrate cultural football heritage. Do the research and read what happened around the world and what has happened in the past here - and here is one thing you will find - its the principled leaders in these communities who bring it to a stop and get it focused on football and community building. You have plenty of those in CFC, I've met them and enjoyed football debates with them. I very much doubt that CFC wanted this to happen at the GF, but it did. The lesson that all have learnt is that you have to vigilant. CFC and CF were not vigilant and therefore unable to avert this incident before or during the GF. But here we are and, Sir, your only defence is call others who object - Racist. Amazing.
We all have a debt of gratitude for those immigrants that brought their love of football to Australia and were (still are actually - and I hope this is what you believe) the foundation they helped establish for development of the game in Australia.
We are all Australians and unless you are of indigenous heritage, all the rest of us of are of immigrant stock. I am no exception. While we acknowledge the past, we move forward without the unhelpful aspects of ethnicity in Football. Its a damn touchy subject. I realise this is sensitive, but those small group of CFC supporters did not act in the best interests of our game and most assuredly not for CFC that day at that game.
I reckon that if CFC senior management had their time over again, there would have been nothing like the behavior of those CFC supporters we saw at the GF. You mention Mr Vrkic by name. I have a nodding acquaintance with him through football
and I am sufficiently experienced in football and community based volunteer organisations to know that he (and others) have done amazing work and probably given significant monetary support to establishing CFC. More power to them. But I cannot help but think that a man of his stature in football in the ACT, would be deeply wounded by the actions of that small group of thoughtless, selfish and irresponsible CFC supporters.
And the uncomfortable truth of this situation for CF is that CFC is too important to let this pass. The behavior exhibited by a small group of CFC supports so far outside what is acceptable to CF and the FFA in 2011 going forward, that there is no place for misguided loyalty at CFC or anywhere else when it comes to rectifying the situation. Sir, some of your comments fall well and truly into this latter category. I would implore you to reconsider your allegations of racism against anyone who is critical of what these CFC supporters did that day. Don;t turn this into a them against us (Croatian community) dispute - because it is not.
You take issue with my earlier comment "CFC plays in these competitions at the pleasure of Capital Football”. A simple statement of fact - every club in the PL is licensed by CF, it is their prerogative to award or not award PL licences. Nothing "arrogant" or "irresponsible" about that statement. This simple truth illustrates just how much trouble a club can get into if it ventures into behavior that is unacceptable to CF or the FFA. If you don't understand that reality, I am sure others in you club do, just as we do in the club I support. And we too have our difficulties with CF at times.
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Some thoughts
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As for being a microphone for CF, I think you will find that I have had more than my fair share of critics in CF (staff and Board) over numerous football issues. Sometimes it is infuriating. That doesn't stop me from having a dialogue with the CEO or staff or the occasional Board member. Nor does it mean we agree, many times we just agree to disagree and move on. Sometimes issues re-emerge when you least expect them and the behavior of that group of CFC supporters at the CF GF is a case in point.
You correctly point out that CFC's playing rosters over the years have produced a remarkable array of elite football players. That is not at issue. Nor does it excuse that appalling behavior of a small group of CFC supporters at the GF, a number of whom are current players. You have a right to be proud of those that have come through CFC and achieved at high levels in the game, but you have no right to join their success to poor CFC supporter behavior by some CFC supporters. You improperly use their football success and achievements for the wrong purpose. There is no connection - except by you.
You appear to also improperly appeal to the time honored Australian underdog argument / status over this recent indicent. The proposition that CFC is being singled for retribution is just ridiculous, not true and to be frank, not a honorable position take in relation to the behavior of all other CFC supporters, many of who have no Croatian connection beyond having played for this great club or have their children playing for CFC today. Sir, it just fanciful rubbish. Simply not true. There were two clubs out their with teams playing in the mens PL GF and one of them had the great misfortune of being supported by a group who behaved in appalling fashion that day - one Club - CFC. It is troubling to think you find comfort in the thought that CFC is the underdog in this matter. I have never thought of CFC as being in that category on or off the field.
Sir, it is you who are fanning the flames, not me, nor I must say, CF. You must examine your own motives.
Some thoughts
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If you are able to set aside your passion for CFC and its Croatian football cultural heritage, where this incident is concerned, you may find a different and more productive way ahead.
The CF disciplinary process will deal with the individuals identified by CF as breaching the various FFA codes of conduct. If guilty they will likely receive severe penalties. Just accept that fact - its a process that is unarguable. They are likely to have plenty of time to reconsider their attitude to football.
If you take the time to give this entire situation some cold, unemotional analysis, you would see that this entire business falls into several parts and it helps to keep them apart (for the purposes of understanding them and resolving them):
1. A small group of CFC supporters behaved in a fashion that breached the various codes of conduct required by CF and the FFA. These individuals need to be identified (and they have been I believe)dealt with through the CF disciplinary process. Where it is believed they committed civil / criminal offences these matters need to be referred by CF to the AFP.
2. The conduct of the CFC supporters that concerns CF, brings CFC (the Club) into difficulty with the various codes of conduct and competition regulations. CF has already found that to be the case and imposed a penalties on CFC for these breaches. CFC was served with a breach notice that details these matters. (CFC and CF meet this week to discuss etc) If CFC continue to hold the view that CF is incorrect in its view / decisions toward CFC then they can appeal. BUt be in no doubt. the actions of the CFC supporters has bound the club, CFC into this matter.
3. It seems that the critical point of difference between CF and CFC rests on whether CFC is responsible for these CFC supporters that breached the codes of conduct etc. CF (and FFA ) say that CFC is responsible for its supporters, no matter who is running the event. CFC seem tobe of the view that they are not responsible for their supporters when it is a CF event. Unless there is agreement on this matter, CF will find itself dealing with a new order of problem with regard to CFC going forward. CF issues PL licences and authorizes clubs to play in all competitions in CF competitions. If CFC refuses to comply with CF (and FFA) requirements, CFC may risk exclusion. And all this has nothing at all to do with issues of cultural heritage or ethnicity.
4. CF did not bring the issue of ethnicity into this situation, nor has the CEO CF behaved in a racist fashion toward CFC in any of these matters. The CEO's reference to the overt display of Croatian ethnicity was the consequence of an observable fact at the GF, a choice made by those CFC supporters who are now the subject of the CF disciplinary process. The CFC press release introduced this distasteful notion into the discourse. CFC must do all it can to leave the the conduct we saw at the GF behind. That is certain to be one outcome required of CFC going forward. References in the CFC press release (and your comments on this Blog) to racist behavior by CF toward the Croatian community, are simply untrue. This sort of talk should stop immediately. Go back to the facts of the matter.
5. Capital Football's preparation, organisation and execution of the mens premier league grand final event merit careful examination by the CF Board. That should happen and the football community advised. However, none of this absolves the CFC supporters who behaved badly, nor does it bring relief to CFC (the CLub) in respect of its responsibilities for its supporters that day.
The line in the sand is certainly draw. I am glad you see it. The problems need to be fixed and they will be. CFC will not fall, they will fix things and get stronger. CF may learn a few things along the way as well.
Thankyou for your comments. We all have our views, but we all share the passion for the game.
"Canberra FC has one hundred and forty (140) juniors that support our Premier League teams, a true “under dog” in every sense of the word."
ReplyDeleteIn one respect this means CFC is no different to any other club when you take into account just the Div 1 juniors that would generally feed the PL teams. So not sure what the point is there. Also, it should be noted that CFC is not a 'district' club of Canberra so how woudl it ever expect to have more juniors than it has. It does however I note also actively advertise on the CF website in pre-season for Div 1 players (not not other Divisions). Also at least half of their U14 and U15 teams came from other clubs in the last two years, and the PL16 and PL18 has almost a whole squad from another club that came across last year. I don't see anythign inherently wrong with any of this but please put away the violins CFC is not an underdog and never will be !
Peter being a microphone for Capital Football is almost as funny as Canberra FC being an underdog.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are bunch of fools !
ReplyDeleteyou're nothing good to this place,
canberra times you pretty much telling us you dont want wogs here ; just cause we do it different overseas ! no one got hurt ! people were having fun BUILD A BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT !
BAD CHECK MY ASS !
ReplyDeletethey ask you to open your bag, don't even look in it and then say keep walking, great bag check they have going.