Football Fans Fight Back in Australia

The A-League recently saw a boycott from every supporter group in Australia - this was in response to the FFA's lack of appeals process for banned fans. Eli Mengem meets the fans, players and even the FFA CEO David Gallop to see if the protests enabled them to reach an agreement.
Subscribe to Copa90: bit.ly/Copa90Subscribe
Watch our other A-League Documentaries:
Sydney Derby Days - • Sydney Derby Days | Cr...
November 16 feat, John Aloisi - • The Day Australia Beca...
Saving Wellington Phoenix #SaveTheNix - • #SaveTheNix - New Zeal...
Thanks to Fox Sports, FourFourTwo and supporter groups of the A-League for their assistance in the production of this documentary.
Thanks to Western Sydney Wanderers for having us along to the derby and allowing us to film.
Music Licensed By Audio Network:
Shadowtalk
Music Licensed By CueSongs:
Octo Octa - Uneasy
Polarsets - How I Want You (Inst)
Polarsets - 1KM2 (Inst)
Joel Harrison - Fly By Night
Tea Street Band - Santa Monica (Inst)
Eli has written a behind-the-scenes article on our website: bit.ly/Copa90
About Copa90:
At Copa90 we believe that football is more than a game. It has the power to unite people from all walks of life in a way that nothing else does.
We're on a mission to reclaim football for the fans by creating the home of global football culture: for football fans, by football fans. We tell the stories, hero the characters and host the conversations that really matter.
We are Copa90, the voice of fans around the world, and we're taking our ball back. Get on board.
The Game Never Stops
The best football videos on KZbin. Subscribe now!
KZbin Channel - bit.ly/Copa90YT
Twitter - bit.ly/Copa90TW
Instagram - bit.ly/1Lx2Eny
Facebook - bit.ly/Copa90FB
Google+ - bit.ly/Copa90G
Snapchat - copa90official
Leave us a comment below!

[@edspiller7953]

She drinks when she drives, drinks when she drivessssss, Rebecca Wilson, she drinks when she drives

[@glorydavid3049]

Great Chant I have one She hates Football, She hates Footbaaallll, Rebbeca Wilson, She hates Football

[@Wayno90sk8]

she's six feet under now lol

[@TimmyTickle]

Wayno90 Updated version: "She got cancer and diiiiiiiiied, she got cancer and diiiiiiiiied, Rebecca Wilson got cancer and diiiiiiiied"

[@bobbin621]

big up Australia football fans from the uk

[@michaelbrittain6650]

❤️❤️❤️

[@australianpatriot]

+matthew mulvaney Cheers

[@abej7718]

+matthew mulvaney Well come on down. There is cold beer and football for you!!!!!!!!!

[@thespookymilkman7015]

We also love the bpl but please go to a Melbourne victory or Western Sydney game

[@swansbear]

A Manchester City fan NOT getting behind Melbourne City? Nice to see the involvement of your club in Australian domestic football means a lot to you. :[

[@bengogos7203]

As one of the Victory fans who walked out, I can honestly say you've outdone yourself again Copa 90 and Mr Mengem! Massive effort once again.

[@Copa90]

+Ben Gogos thanks Ben and well done for standing up for your rights as a fan

[@Limited00]

+Copa90 THANK YOU COPA90

[@TheMusicGuard]

This is actually top notch journalism, great job guys.

[@1888UPTHECELTS]

+! TheMusicGuard ! very one sided but yes it was an interesting piece

[@tmhaikalty]

+1888UPTHECELTS Copa90 is always about the fans, so no wonders they can cover this issue from fans point of view.

[@familyguytv4234]

its still a good argument tho

[@TheMusicGuard]

markus s it indeed is.

[@dawnrazornephilim]

+1888UPTHECELTS agree, I would have liked to hear from Wilson, but maybe she denied an interview?

[@Lawrie]

They can try to condemn us but they will never suppress us. Football will win.

[@k-block]

+LAWRIE Well said!

[@parthsaraiya]

+LAWRIE well said bro

[@jacobstevens2753]

Ffa, can you hear us now?

[@parthsaraiya]

Jacob Stevens ?

[@jacobstevens2753]

. was the banner the RA held up at the Adelaide game, thought it would sound good...

[@lb_7598]

history repeats itself…

[@adriandevil7232]

Yep and yet soccer fans will still sit and wonder why they’re sport fails

[@andy3949]

@@adriandevil7232 Fails? Its the most popular sport in the world?

[@adriandevil7232]

@@andy3949 I’m talking about In Australia obviously mate

[@TheWaveGoodbye-Music]

@@adriandevil7232 yeah soccer fans might, but they come from one part of the world. Football fans however..

[@merc2413]

@@adriandevil7232has it gotten better?

[@elimengem3891]

Was so proud of the Australian football community for this story. We have been all around the world telling stories of football fans fighting against unfair forces, but never have we seen a story where the fans united and fought together in such a strategic, succseful manner in such a short time. Hope this story inspires all football fans around the world to realise that beyond the cliche, when we unite over the bigger issues we can prevail with what we want. Whether that be ticket prices in the UK or over zealous security measures in Germany. If there is a story similar to what happened in Australia going on in your part of the world, let us know!

[@myboyblue4383]

Banned for being drunk? I bet 90% of the stadium during rugby games or the AFL games are probably drunk and they don't get banned.

[@cl9925]

They still get banned. In recent memory at a Canterbury vs Souths game a few fans got banned for drunken abuse and throwing shit at the refs.

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

+bluecrayon 32 Please tell me the last time AFL or NRL fans threw detonators at the feet of police? Behavioral problems crop up in all spectators of football codes, but letting off 19 illegal flares and throwing detonators is a blatant fuck you to our police, to the A League, and to their own club.

[@ChaingunCassidy]

+bluecrayon 32 They do get banned, it just doesn't get reported on.

[@myboyblue4383]

***** I believe i said being drunk. Never anything about the detonators. Also go watch a Balkan's game and then come tell me if the A league fans flares are that bad.

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

myboyblue 32 So right away you're invoking the argument; 'If someone else does it, why can't we.' That's not the point, we shouldn't lower ourselves to other people's levels just because it's worse 'somewhere else'. The point is there are four codes of football in Australia, and only the fans of one rip illegal flares and have thrown detonators. If they give a fuck about the actual game, they will stop being try-hards and pick up their behaviour.

[@MicahDewey]

+Copa90 Eli this has to be some of your best work ever. Great journalism and great story. Keep it up!

[@elimengem3891]

+Micah Dewey Thanks Micah, was a story very personal to me so wasn't too hard to tell!

[@bigfunnyman4417]

Eli Mengem from a supporter of a club that is willing to go to war with its most hardcore fans, I really appreciate you and copa90 taking the time to make a video like this. I hope us MLS supporters soon gain the same freedom that Australian supporters now have.

[@RossHamMil]

I know these videos hardly ever get any views copa90, but these short documentaries you do are are among the best videos on KZbin, keep it up!

[@james3032]

+RossHamMil It's so confusing how little views this channel gets. So many amazing video series on this channel.

[@GottaAdmiTIT]

the FFA took 3 points off Western Sydney Wanderers because the fans used a flare. It's so disgusting to see that they ban points from a team because a stupid flare was set by the fans. btw I saw Eli at a wanderers game

[@bionicbonerboy]

+Anthony Jeitani They gave a $50,000 fined.

[@michaelbrittain6650]

It was 19 flares 😂 but I ink it was fucking amazing! I love flares

[@samanthacaisley6259]

Wrong. It is a suspended sentence of three points, meaning if a flare goes off THEN they will lose three points.

[@polobear6448]

They stopped the game, let off flares, detonators and smoke bombs, plus used unauthorised banners. They could've gone harsher but that was the most suitable punishment. Flares are illegal in Australia outside of "Marine use" so there's nothing we can do as of now. But they are extremely easy to get.

[@polobear6448]

+Michael Brittain You are what we call pathetic. It's the law, there's nothing we can do to change it. Flares, I love them, detonators and smoke bombs? what's the point? it would've been a beautiful sight if they'd done it right.

[@Copa90]

Have you ever heard of a whole league's supporters joining forces and boycotting against the system?

[@marcelodesousa735]

Nope

[@marktracey6680]

I wish scottish fans did this because the sfa wants facial recognition for banned fans. Every fan would need to do this at every level of scotish football

[@Celery999]

+Copa90 It's happening in Scotland right now with facial recognition, would be a great video

[@marktracey6680]

duncan hughes yes do this please copa90

[@Celery999]

Also what would be really good would be a bit about Aberdeen's title challenge and see if they can take the title away from the old firm for the first time in 36 years

[@LiamK2292]

Fair play to the Aussies.

[@KayosKee]

Football without fans is NOTHING. The sooner the clubs and authorities realise this, the better.

[@patrickocallaghan4353]

This aged well

[@melwinjohny7263]

We've got to do this to lower ticket prices.

[@phardman144]

It worked with liverpool

[@timberswiss3]

+Peter Hardman sort of. prices were frozen not lowered

[@jonathanedwards4882]

+timberswiss3 it's a start, it won't happen overnight

[@craigtaggart8390]

to right is people make the grounds empty in the UK they will have the reduce ticket prices

[@jonathanedwards4882]

+Craig Taggart they don't give a fuck about people in the ground, it's a tiny part of their income. They only care about Sky

[@blizfutbol6736]

Here we go again

[@marcdepaoli4629]

This is honestly the best vid ever

[@Copa90]

+Marc De Paoli cheers Marc - please share it around

[@finniganharon3563]

I think other football fans from around the world need to take a look at what these Australian fans are doing because there are similar issues like this such as ticket prices

[@elimengem3891]

+Finnigan Haron Exactly! What A-Legaue supporter groups achieved epl fans could too. Supporters in the UK don't realise how much of a message they could send by just boycotting one match, the people running the game know this but until genuine active protests are done across the league real change wont come! It's a long shot, but hopefully Australia will inspire them to do so!

[@jacktodd3321]

Top, top video! Although I am not Australian, I have developed huge respect for Aussie fans due to their passion and willingness to stand up for themselves, I don't think they get the recognition they deserve. Excellent work Copa 90 and Eli!

[@Copa90]

+Jack Todd cheers Jack.

[@kevineames620]

As someone at the game where the Melbourne Victory fan group walked out, it was amazing. The other people there gave them a standing ovation as they left.

[@jedsagood5334]

absolutely incredible video! this is honestly by far the best coverage I have seen of this issue, you have outdone yourself again guys. great job Eli and everyone at copa90.

[@tomthirlwall2850]

This is an important film - well done Eli and team at Copa90

[@mattsoumilas]

Top documentary guys 👍 Helps build the hype for todays melbourne derby too!

[@FlagpiesTwenty3]

Funerolli is the best striker in the league by a mile

[@123gobombers]

+Tristan Calabrese Fornaroli* and yes he is a beast 17 goals in 19 games and Mooy 16 assits in 19 games both play for Melbourne city and Harry Novillo 9 goals and 4 assits also plays for Melbourne city just saying :) :) :)

[@FlagpiesTwenty3]

+Mysterious Prankster I know mate... No need to say just saying

[@123gobombers]

Tristan Calabrese im stating that Melbourne city have quality players not being rude at all

[@morrisfredo7911]

+Memphis lad I agree, how did fornarolii not win the johnny warren medal

[@bobbin621]

England should do more protest about the ticket prices next season prem becomes the most expensive in the world and they still want us to pay 60£ IMO it should be at least 20

[@elimengem3891]

+matthew mulvaney Agreed!

[@emeraldfire42]

60 is at least 20...

[@stehoare4823]

As a Liverpool fan we walked out over Liverpool wanting us to pay £77 for a home ticket

[@joshtavoletti8857]

Such a great video. Explained the whole situation perfectly. More videos of the Australian football culture please!

[@sybalov1997]

Amazing video, had no idea about this before but got completely caught up in it. Again great job Copa 90

[@mattthomas2078]

Ridiculous! These fans seem like the friendliest crowds I've seen at any game, how are they in any way a danger...

[@daniela9257]

You might think all the fans are nice, but some aren't. Copa90 are showing only the good things and not the bad... A majority of the games have half empty stadiums

[@samuelhawes6735]

+Daniel Angel Pretty sure we saw shots of half empty stadiums

[@mattthomas2078]

+Sam Hawes That was from walkouts/protests

[@robertmcnamara434]

+Daniel Angel just look at the championship crowds in England

[@TheRagingSnowman]

+Daniel Angel our average attendance here in Melbourne, Australia is 25,000

[@lostinbrisbane]

Great video. Well presented and produced. Awesome.

[@jamiewilliamson803]

The RBB's chant is honestly one of the best going, huge respect from Northern Ireland

[@decenuggetsss]

Thank you copa90 for bringing attention to Australian football. This was a major blow for many fans of the game but now it's our time to grow as a group and never stop supporting our teams and our beautiful game.

[@Creeds1996]

Another awesome video from Eli. Keep up the great work Copa90.

[@Niranjan_Mavath]

+COPA90 your channel deserves so much more than 1M subscribers...your videos are always top-notch stuff even though it may not be reflected in the view count...and omg Eli you are one hell of a good journalist

[@mayoph]

This needs to be a longer video as I was wanting more! It was that good. Big ups to Australia in fighting for what they believe in! Inspiring stuff!

[@williamthompson2941]

And you are the life blood of COPA90. Another great report.

[@jameskeetels2723]

Excellent journalism by this young guy. I Always enjoy his work - Bristol City FC

[@IRod641]

Great job to the Aussie football fans. Sticking up for what is right for game. Without the fans the sport won't be where it's at today. Great job to Copa90 for being out the fact's about the situation.

[@Copa90]

+IRod641 glad you enjoyed it bro

[@LukeFree]

Ah so this is what you were doing at the Derby Eli! It's unfortunate that the game is subject to these kind of issues, now with the RBB being subject to increased scrutiny with the flare situation. People saying they are scared to go to games. I went to the derby, I've been to lots of Wanderers games for the past 3 years. I've seen so many families and children there, having a great time, that labeling these fans as terrorists is insulting. I understand the flares and detonators should not be allowed at games, but this is not a dangerous environment. Thanks for getting this video out there Copa!

[@Moneyyyboy]

Thank you for standing up for Australian Football!

[@user-ut6sj9vg5x]

Football/soccer haters in Australia are just jealous of how the A League is growing. Everyone must be free to experience the beautiful game.

[@kingofthedaddys8012]

You’ll have to do another one soon

[@dp06969]

She drinks and she drives.... She drinks and she drives... Rebecca Wilson she drinks and she drives...

[@FINN1887]

Quality work!

[@TheHippodromeGY]

this was really interesting cheers Eli.

[@wswzac]

After everything that’s happened since, we definitely need a part 2

[@grummentgruss8445]

respect, from western sydney

[@tigerking8413]

Soccer in Australia is a joke. It’ll never beat rugby league or afl.

[@johnmuccio5855]

At this rate Eli might become one of the Australian football greats

[@michaelbrittain6650]

WAS WAITING FOR THIS!

[@thorazine8402]

At the rate he’s going, the respect he’s earned as a journalist could put him in the position to be a credible spokesman for world football. He’s respectful, professional and affable. I hope Eli keeps this up, because this kid can have a huge impact on football reporting.

[@johnsuperdude9912]

Thanks for the video I was there when it happened, I have actually seen fans in the Sydney Derby game had a fight at the stadium right in front of us, since that I went to one of the games, fans had left the stadium in the 30 minute mark to protest. It was insane but the fans won.

[@Mitchovanners]

Top video lads, makes me proud to be an Aussie football fan.

[@CurtiZSe7eN]

Class video!!! Fair play to Bozza too!!

[@johnp4827]

Great piece of journalism.

[@callumwall6224]

great video as perr usual. I really want football in australlia to do well.

[@ozmot731]

4:15 - They're singing to the melody of "Marching On Together" Leeds United. Which is an original anthem too, not one used by multiple football clubs. Judt proved how big of a following Leeds United have in Australia. Probably mainly due to Viduka and Kewell. MOT

[@alexribeiro4934]

Congratulations Copa90, this is serious quality journalism, my best wishes for the supporters in Australia, and I hope they win this battle! And I would also like to leave a suggestion, since you now have a crew member in Brazil, to make a doumentary about the political turmoil surrounding the CBF, the State Federations, the creation of an independent league and its consequences, including the inital talks about a South American League. Great work again, keep up.

[@Copa90]

+Alex Ribeiro hey Alex - thanks for your suggestion, appreciate it, we'll look into it man.

[@terracecultureaustralia4292]

Amazing!

[@peterkehoe1984]

Now Rebecca Wilson has gone to the big newspaper office in the sky.

[@fitrahwibowo7402]

Peter Kehoe hey, can you explain to me what is the supporters mad about cos im not really familiar with these accent but i really wanna know. just the summary. thanks

[@peterkehoe1984]

Fitrah Wibowo A now deceased sports journalist published a story from a leaked police document detailing a big list of football supporters that had been given bans from attending games. Some of the names and photos that she published were minors who had been given bans or fines for minor offences.

[@fitrahwibowo7402]

+Peter Kehoe thanks. but why does the FA of aussies need to be involved?

[@peterkehoe1984]

Fitrah Wibowo Football in Australia has suffered from decades of discrimination from a rabid anti football media and the wider Australian public. If you can get on eBay or an Australian bookstore website and get your hands on a copy of Sheilas, Wogs and Poofters which is an autobiography of the late Australian captain of the 1970's and football commentator Johnny Warren which in explicit detail highlighted the discrimination he faced growing up playing football in post war Sydney.

[@fitrahwibowo7402]

+Peter Kehoe oh damn they discriminate you for playing football? what a mob... and thanks again to make all this clear

[@james12345757]

great work again Eli

[@dalemilsy]

Awesome ty!

[@leslielani1980]

Awesome work. Love your guys work at home and abroad. Big up Copa 90.

[@matthewboag2982]

It would be good if copa did do a video in Scotland

[@elliottwatson8752]

Good work guys

[@TheFuckingBanshee]

All of Eli's features are brilliant. He's really an asset to football journalism, even as a "mere" youtube presenter.

[@robertsheehan5432]

Ask anyone from Melbourne what they think of David Gallop, before he became head of the FFA, what he did to Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club when he was the head of the NRL

[@mcraff]

I stopped attending a-league games a couple of years ago due to the bullshit surrounding the game I love. What an awesome video this is. I've got a video of the North Terrace from a few years back on my channel doing what they do best. Thanks Copa.

[@Copa90]

+mcraff cool video, heard alot about your pre-match train station chants, so its good to see a video of it.

[@codym4846]

this is sooo good

[@brouwniedownie9711]

great video!!

[@christophalbers9865]

Seems like the A-Light is the next big thing, totally diffrent to those leagues like China or India, and in a way much better than the MLS, which is on a good way as well. Have seen all your videos about it and the atmosphere seems to be insane, really want to go there ASAP. I hope they will Keep it up and hopefully they will become even better in terms of Football, because sometimes there is a lack of quality to compete with other leagues.

[@gammasetamathematics2906]

* A-LEAGUE

[@melbournearsenal9856]

+Christoph Albers Our league is getting better and better..... the problem is the best players either go to Europe or now to China because the Chinese league allows for 1 Asian foreigner (Aus is part of the Asian confederation)

[@panzer9248]

+Christoph Albers If you want Quality you should of seen the Melbourne Derby tonight, fantastic game.

[@123gobombers]

+panzer9248 it was great atmosphere copa90 should show it!

[@swansbear]

+Christoph Albers Wouldn't go that far mate. The A-League is getting better in standard, but I would still rank the MLS higher technically. Even if the defending in the MLS Cup Grand Final was all sorts of lolworthy We have a salary cap to keep club spending to a manageable level, but that hampers the growth of the league in terms of the quality of import players we can introduce to it. So it is a bit of a Catch 22. Manchester City throwing their weight behind their Melbourne City venture is a sign that football in Australia is here to stay, on the way up, and worth overseas clubs investing in.

[@KallitoWtal]

You have to visit the german protests around the soccer/football. for example the "kein zwanni" campaign or the united supporters group "pro fans". more or less you have to watch the closed campaing "12:12".

[@dillonhf]

we used to have great active support in aus but it’s dying off now. the ffa need to encourage active support which is the most unique thing in the sport and one of the biggest draw cards for casuals

[@adriandevil7232]

Unless soccer fans tidy up there act it won’t get any better…yesterday they literally attacked goal keeper and threw a flare at him, feral scenes like that don’t belong in Australian sport

[@terracecultureaustralia4292]

Sick vid lads!

[@bujanglapuk2108]

As a Sydney FC supporter, I think RBB is great. FFA tried to take passion out of the game, if that happens, it will be the death of Football (Soccer) in Australia .

[@wickedwalshe121]

a video on clubs like bolton how they are now, how they got into that state and how they could get out of it could be good

[@narcotect]

excellent video.. showing that cow what real journalism is all about

[@eliacarapetis2531]

Make more Derby days there so good

[@emeraldgames9336]

I was at that Wanderers match! I yelled "FUCK THE FFA" I love Australia! Great video +Copa90

[@chente-tn1tx]

At 4:24 the best chant readapted

[@euanwilson1285]

very very good video

[@presntnow]

Awesome Eli! ⚽️❤

[@LSArocks]

Another sick vid

[@Mac-hh5yq]

You haven't even watched it yet

[@LSArocks]

+Im Mac nor have you

[@manulover1999]

+Fc Barcelona and Philadelphia Union fan I never said i did fucktard

[@joedlfc9042]

+SergioHD American barca fan fuck off glory hunter

[@manulover1999]

+Joe Doyle what

[@deadhand45]

My boy Bozza makes an appearance!

[@123gobombers]

No Appeals No justice. No Fans No Football. Terraces Not Terrorists Melbourne City 2015

[@simonreynolds5605]

This vibe seems like an eternity ago now.

[@NatchX0]

Hey Copa Fam, I'm a PSG fan and when you mentioned fan groups being ignored by their clubs i felt concerned. In 2010 before qataris bought the club, PSG's president banned every single fan who owned a season ticket after a fraction of supporters got into a fight. I don't want to get into detail because I think this would make a great documentary/video because PSG became a european "super-club" and this story is probably not very popular. Even though PSG might be seen as a a soulless club, it actually has a very strong history ever since it was created. I hope this suggestion will be taken into consideration.

[@TheRagingSnowman]

+Paul Fournier Respect the the original PSG fans from Australia. I have been to paris and seen their stadium which is very good.

[@kevinp9403]

psg have a great youth academy and have a great history even though they are not that old

[@cr2862]

I'd love to see a video on Porto and how they sell their big players and still manage to do well and still have a decent team.

[@curtiskelly1242]

Reason why soccer is so small in Australia: 1. Australian is lacking compared to other leagues, but is not soft. 2. International talent far exceeds local talent but is riddled with dives.

[@MsRandomPro]

Hey Copa90 please make a video special, about the Urawa "The Dimonds" Red's from Japan??! It's a def must for any football fan out there. And I'll promise you, YOU WILL NOT! get let down, i can def assure you about that, i can (guarantee) you that, if you haven't already that is. Cheers! n.n Edit: World class journalism.

[@jackygtv9900]

Football is the world game and the people deserve to witness the the greatness that is the round ball game. Condemning fans is one thing but bringing the game into distribute is a whole different story! Fans are football Mark Bosnich said it perfectly "fans can live without Football but Football can't live without fans"

[@martinpye798]

I was a football hooligan in the 90s in the UK. Let me say it wasn't my proudest moment, and got me in a lot of trouble. I deserved it. I know we have problems with some fans. We can't deny it . But it really is nowhere near the regular smash ups in Europe. I'm a fan of the articles of Rebecca Wilson, but she doesn't get the 'soccer' side of things in Oz. Football gets a raw deal in the press.

[@bensy010]

marinators @9:37 the best!

[@sokkahhooligans3830]

Video on the collapse of the North Terrace?

[@redbullrebel2433]

Melbourne Victory, Vic Police and FFA took us in the North Terrace for granted. Now the North Terrace doesn't even exist anymore... sadly😔

[@dabuuug8682]

The RIP phil walsh was in tribute to the passed afl team adelaides coach

[@Whisperingsofwar]

How is Eli still on KZbin? C'mon Fox Sports/SBS you're missing a prized recruit.

[@TOTN17]

fox don't even want the a-league anymore, apprantally optus were willing to buy it a few years ago just not for the price the ffa wanted, once the league goes independent maybe the t rights will be sold to somebody who actually wants it

[@Notavalidusername23]

That Palace shirt is heat!

[@samuelhawes6735]

Another country with better fans than England....

[@arydegroot8116]

If u actually watched a game of the WSW u would find that a fight rarely happens

[@masenko4519]

Respect to WSW from a Melb Victory supporter

[@mattmontese7891]

i dont know what for but thanks

[@connzandconnz]

Brilliant