Scrap The Cap
Scrap the Cap
Well its official, the “Cap the Crowd” strategy by Clive Palmer was a disaster in community relations as well as his relations to the wider Football Community. Just over 2600 people turned up last night with many Season ticket holders staying away in protest at having to move.
Our supporters group who stand in “The Beach” (Bay 30) were all moved to Bay 2 in the corner behind the goal line. We turned up with protest banners and when the players left the field after their warm up we held those banners up towards Clive’s private box. “Scrap the Cap”, “Fans not $$ “, “Greatest Team Never Seen”, “Football is for the fans, not greedy hands, Justice for the GCU”, “Want bigger Crowds Clive, Ask us How”. This continued until the players came back to the field for the kickoff. We then got down to the business of supporting the TEAM with our singing and chanting.
GCU Fans vent their anger
GCU Fans send Clive a Message.
During the game, the crowd wanted to do more and it was decided that at the 70th minute that we would “Storm The Beach” and run over to Bay 30 where our normal seats are. About 20 people made it over the concrete barrier between the stands whilst the rest were stopped by security when they realised what was happening. The crowd around us got behind us and we were all cheering the guys on as they ran across. Security did catch up with them and escorted them out of the stand. About 10 were kicked out of the stadium for “Trespassing”. The rest made it back to the relocated beach and we continued to sing for our team. Unfortunately the Fury scored a second goal during this time and we were 2-0 down and that remained the score until the end.
GCU fans "Storm the Beach"
At the end of the game most of us stayed in our seats and chanted for Clive to come down. Clive did come down, Clive Mensink – CEO, arrived and a heated discussion with the fans started. A bit of calm was obtained and a few of us vented our frustrations at Clive. Of course he held the line that it is financially prudent to cap the Crowds and his reasons why. Another blog will deal with this.
About 30 of walked out of the ground and realized that our free bus back to the pubs had gone. Whilst working out where the cab rank was a BMW M3 pulled up next to us. Out stepped Jason Culina. He came over and shook our hands and apologised for the performance. We had a chat and the remaining kids there all had his autograph and pictures taken with him. What a top bloke. Told us to keep up the good work and to keep coming back and cheering for the team.
We also had a conversation with the FOX Sports commentary team who gave us heaps of Kudos for what we did. They thought the “Storm the Beach” stunt was great.
All in all it was a disappointing night not only for the result but for Football on the Coast. Protesting the way we did was not ideal but one that had to be done in my opinion. And obviously one that is shared by many GCU supporters. A small group of us went to the Youth league game today and relived the moments. It was fun in the stands and an awesome thing to be part of, even if I did chicken out of the run into the stands. It’s been done now, and the most important thing is for the Team to start winning again. We have top of the table Sydney FC next weekend at Skilled Park and you can bet that “The Beach” will be there in full voice to support the boys.
I would also like to thank all those supporters from other clubs who have been on our forum and been very positive in support of our cause.
The ball is in Clive Palmer’s court now, he must listen to the people and “Scrap The Cap”.
Cheers
Tezza
November 01 2009 07:44 pm | A-League and Gold Coast United
Marksy on 01 Nov 2009 at 8:27 pm #
Well said mate
MathewKenna on 01 Nov 2009 at 9:34 pm #
Fantastic write up mate, keep fighting the good fight, I’m with you in spirit
aussielfc79 on 01 Nov 2009 at 10:13 pm #
well said Tezza, another top read.
kpac on 02 Nov 2009 at 2:44 pm #
Nothing but positives from the people at the ground, other supporters & general public. The voices were heard and hopefully will be listened to. Good write-up tez.
Terry on 02 Nov 2009 at 6:17 pm #
Thanks guys, appreciate the comments. It is looking like it was well justified. Fantastic support from the media and supporters from other clubs.
Justice for the GCU
Hands On Football » How Good is That? on 03 Nov 2009 at 8:45 pm #
[...] My last blog centered on the fans protest at the Crowd cap at last Saturday nights game as did media reports. Next thing the FFA is talking tough, then Jason Culina voices his displeasure, and then FINALLY last night the Club announced that the CAP IS SCRAPPED. [...]