Add Category
Socceroos great and Western United coach John Aloisi has launched a passionate defence of the A-League Men's as the embattled competition reels from its violent pitch invasion.
- Melbourne Victory has played its first A-League men's game since a pitch invasion resulted in an attack on Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover
- The team's active fan section was blacked out with tarpaulins and Victory fans were not allowed to buy tickets for their 1-0 loss to Western United
- Interim sanctions are in place until January 15 as Football Australia completes the show cause process
Victory fans' storming of the December 17 derby with Melbourne City, which included City goalkeeper Tom Glover being hit by a metal bucket, delivered the lowest point in the league's history.
The scenes meant Western United had a limited crowd on hand for their Boxing Day 1-0 win over Victory, while the competition has also been hit by fan and player discontent over the decision to sell the next three grand finals to Sydney.
The past fortnight has soured the momentum built by the Socceroos' golden run in Qatar, but Aloisi was adamant he would continue to fight for the game.
"It upsets me when we put ourselves down so much," Aloisi told reporters.
"Don't let a minority ruin our game because our game is a great game.
"We saw with the World Cup and the Socceroos performing well what that did and what it means to Australian football, and the A-League is at a really good level.
"We are only three points from fourth place after an indifferent start, what other league can you be in that position? Because it is so even, so competitive and the football is great."
Only United fans and members were technically permitted to attend Monday's game under interim sanctions placed on Victory.
There were some fans with Victory shirts in the stands, but their active area was blacked out with tarpaulins while the first five rows at each end of AAMI Park were also blocked off.
"I never want anyone to feel threatened when they come into the stadium," Aloisi said.
"They should feel safe like they did today. Everyone felt safe, fans, player and officials.
"We can create a good atmosphere and a safe environment.
"I will fight this fight because I love this game too much, been involved too long to let a couple of idiots put us down.
"It doesn't define Melbourne Victory or Melbourne City, but let's make sure we don't let it happen again."
Interim sanctions are in place until January 15 while FA completes the show cause process and considers further punishments, which could include points deductions and fines.
Victory are only allowed to have members at home games and cannot sell tickets, while their fans cannot attend away games.
"I'd like to think that what we're seeing so far is pretty heavy sanctions as it is," Victory coach Tony Popovic told reporters.
"So if they think we need more then we'll have to deal with it."
AAP