Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Fans boo Welcome to Country before Australia Cup final in Melbourne
Sections of the crowd booed a Welcome to Country before Saturday night's Australia Cup final at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Wurundjeri elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr delivered the ceremony.
A Welcome to Country is a culturally significant practice that welcomes people and recognises Indigenous culture.
Anti-racism campaigners are calling on South Melbourne, Melbourne Victory and Football Australia to condemn the booing, apologise publicly and hold those responsible to account.
The Football Supporters Association Australia also condemned the behaviour.
The incident drew attention away from South Melbourne's historic win: it became the first NPL club to win the cup, beating Melbourne Victory 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through extra time.
Campaigners are urging supporters to contact the clubs and Football Australia, which have been approached for comment.
Fans booed a Welcome to Country ceremony before the Australia Cup final at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Wurundjeri elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr delivered the ceremony ahead of the match between South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory.
South Melbourne won 4-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
Anti-racism campaigners called on both clubs and Football Australia to condemn the booing and issue public apologies.
The Football Supporters Association Australia also condemned the booing and jeering.
- Who
- Fans booed during a ceremony delivered by Wurundjeri elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr.
- What
- Sections of the crowd booed a Welcome to Country before the Australia Cup final.
- When
- Before Saturday night's final.
- Where
- AAMI Park in Melbourne.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
As an anti-racism community, we cannot let this slide,
The FSAA vehemently condemns the booing and jeering that occurred during the Welcome to Country ceremony prior to kickoff.
The hostility displayed by a section of supporters towards it was deeply disappointing.
Uncle Colin Hunter Jr delivered the Welcome to Country before the Australia Cup final at AAMI Park.
South Melbourne beat Melbourne Victory 4-3 on penalties after equalising at the end of regulation time and playing extra time.
The Football Supporters Association Australia condemned the booing and jeering.
An online campaign called for South Melbourne, Melbourne Victory and Football Australia to condemn the booing and issue public apologies.
- Venue
- AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Ceremony speaker
- Wurundjeri elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr
- Final result
- South Melbourne won 4-3 on penalties
- Attendance
- 29,911
- Campaign targets
- South Melbourne, Melbourne Victory and Football Australia
Sources
Related news
Fans react to Manchester City cheating scandal before Liverpool match
Galatasaray look to press Barcelona at home
Gabriel Paulista criticises Corinthians leaders over unpaid wages after derby defeat
Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 after club’s financial rules verdict
Gabriel Jesus brings a new attacking option to Barcelona
Flamengo fans protest betting ban and 6x1 work schedule at Maracanã
Dani Raba scores on his return to Valencia’s starting line-up
Feyenoord beats AZ 2-0 to take Eredivisie lead
Everton owners explore sale less than two years after takeover
Independiente faces Talleres as pressure mounts on both teams
América hosts Medellín with early playoff place within reach
