Arthur lets call a spade a spade - when Chris your other SMFC mate said in a post about six months ago - "what's wrong with ethnic chants" , when discussing a similar topic, it became very clear he was just echoing the feelings of many SMFC supporters.

Hopefully someone with the appropriate skills can provide the date of the exact quote.

KIA will always be considered a cheap car, SMFC will always be considered a Greek Club and the comments of Chris just reinforces same.

SMFC as a brand is GREEK as KIA is cheap.

SMFC or other similar ethnic brands cannot be admitted into the HAL for this exact reason - under your scenario you would have no problem with PRESTON joining if they met your criteria.

if you can't see the problem with that then you have your head in the sand.



Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 05:43:07 PM

Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 05:50:55 PM

Tennis Open marred by ethnic violence

January 15, 2007 - 1:49PM

Ethnic violence has marred the showpiece Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, with scores of Serbian and Croatian fans ejected following an ugly brawl.

Up to 150 people in national colours were thrown out after dozens of police moved in to break up a fight between rival fans at the main concourse area at the Rod Laver Arena on Monday afternoon.

Insults were traded, bottles thrown and kicks and punches landed as rival fans clashed, with some Serbians chanting "Die Croatians, die" in Serbian.

While not involved in the fighting, groups of Greek fans were also ejected from the tournament, one of only four international tennis grand slam events.

Australian Open organisers said fans were welcome to support players, but decisive action would be taken against anyone who misbehaved.

The clashes occurred on the opening day of the two-week tournament as several Croatian and Serbian players were scheduled to appear.

Victoria Police said there were no arrests or injuries, but at least one Croatian fan was reported to have been injured after being hit over the head with a flagpole.

Both sides were quick to blame the other for starting the brawl, which began shortly after midday (AEDT) outside the Rod Laver Arena - the tournament's centre court - and raged for 15 minutes.

Earlier, Croatian fans gathered in Melbourne's Federation Square, chanting and lighting flares before leaving for the arena, many swathed in national flags.

The clashes stem from old rivalries between Serbia and Croatia, and mirror past violence between the groups at soccer matches in Australia.

"They attacked us because we're Serbs and the Croatians hate us because of the war, that we won," one Serb fan told the Nine Network.

Some Croatian fans in turn slammed the violence as "disgusting" and said it was unfair they had been ejected.

Croatian fans said they were watching Croatian star Mario Ancic when Serbs outside the court chanted abuse at them.

"They (Croatian fans) all went outside the court, it started with just abusing each other verbally and then it got into an actual fight," said 19-year-old eyewitness Marina, who did not give her last name.

After breaking up the fight, police divided the fans and escorted the rival groups out of different entrances.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Katherine Jess said all those ejected had their tickets confiscated.

"They were mostly Serbians ejected as they were upsetting the Croatians," she said.

Serbian and Croatian community groups condemned the violence but blamed each other.

Tom Starcevic, Croatian Community Association secretary and editor of Melbourne's Croatian Herald, said his daughter rang him from the competition venue and told of Serbian spectators chanting: "Die, Croat, die".

"National pride is one thing but this is unacceptable," Mr Starcevic told AAP.

"I wasn't there but from what I've seen and heard the Serbs were quite provocative.

"In these situations, when someone is provoked, you should hold back but some younger people are less tolerant."

Serbian Cultural Club president Toma Banjanin claimed Croatian supporters had been flaunting their colours and said it was disappointing the bitter history between the two groups had flared at a sporting event.

"I think Croats are always overdoing things, they are always mixing politics with sport," Mr Banjanin said.

Tennis Australia CEO Steve Wood said fans in national colours were welcome at the Australian Open but were expected to behave themselves.

"We hope that today's well-coordinated response sends a clear message that while we are happy for fans to come along and support their favourite player, decisive action will be taken if any patrons, or groups, cross the line of acceptable behaviour at this family event."

A potential flashpoint could loom on Tuesday with a game between Croatian Marin Cilic and Serbian Ilia Bozoljac, but a Victoria Police spokesman refused to confirm whether more officers would be on patrol.

These clashes recall past violence between Serbs and Croats at soccer games.

In May 1995, six were arrested after a riot between rival Serbian and Croatian soccer club fans following a NSW Premier League match in Sydney between the Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Sydney United

Last year of the NSL South Melbourne's Members were close to 50% non greek names, FACT.

Arthur, you are just a bitter man. Just admit it.

You chose to use words that are devisive and then accuse others of things. Simple blame game with no solutions in sight.

You won't care, thats clear, but atleast understand many are trying to hope for a good future for the game, not one that only takes us back down the same depressing path we were on for so long. It's not perfect now, but its a hell of a lot better than it was, whether you choose to accept it or not.

And btw, no your points are not clear, they are just a rant on an ongoing basis.


Edited by heart_fan: 19/4/2012 05:15:29 PM

[quote=BackFour]Arthur lets call a spade a spade - when Chris your other SMFC mate said in a post about six months ago - "what's wrong with ethnic chants" , when discussing a similar topic, it became very clear he was just echoing the feelings of many SMFC supporters.

Hopefully someone with the appropriate skills can provide the date of the exact quote.

KIA will always be considered a cheap car, SMFC will always be considered a Greek Club and the comments of Chris just reinforces same.

SMFC as a brand is GREEK as KIA is cheap.

SMFC or other similar ethnic brands cannot be admitted into the HAL for this exact reason - under your scenario you would have no problem with PRESTON joining if they met your criteria.

if you can't see the problem with that then you have you head in the sand

And if you ignore the substance of his comments, as explained clearly by him, then you too, sir, have your head in the sand.

Ethnic viiolence will hit you anywhere, in any sport. It's risk. But let's not pretend these nationalistic fanatics fighting for their cause are not entrenched in Australian (ethnic) soccer clubs, that's where they thrive.....

Your agenda and hatreds are becoming increasingly obvious plus an embarrassment to yourself and the intelligence of other members whom you obviously perceive as extremely naive.

Understood completely - have the money and 10,000 seat stadium and you should be eligible.
And even Preston if they qualify on these criteria- Please give me a break

Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 06:24:48 PM

Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 06:25:31 PM

Arthur lets call a spade a spade - when Chris your other SMFC mate said in a post about six months ago - "what's wrong with ethnic chants" , when discussing a similar topic, it became very clear he was just echoing the feelings of many SMFC supporters.

Hopefully someone with the appropriate skills can provide the date of the exact quote.

KIA will always be considered a cheap car, SMFC will always be considered a Greek Club and the comments of Chris just reinforces same.

SMFC as a brand is GREEK as KIA is cheap.

SMFC or other similar ethnic brands cannot be admitted into the HAL for this exact reason - under your scenario you would have no problem with PRESTON joining if they met your criteria.

if you can't see the problem with that then you have your head in the sand.



Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 05:43:07 PM

Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 05:50:55 PM

Understood completely - have the money and 10,000 seat stadium and you should be eligible.
And even Preston if they qualify on these criteria- Please give me a break

Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 06:24:48 PM

Edited by backfour: 19/4/2012 06:25:31 PM

A statement without substance. The reasons why they rioted in the tennis are the same why they did it at the soccer. Apologists like you sir is what that gives them encouragement.

Ethnic viiolence will hit you anywhere, in any sport. It's risk. But let's not pretend these nationalistic fanatics fighting for their cause are not entrenched in Australian (ethnic) soccer clubs, that's where they thrive.....

Then they don't do they? So whats your problem?

problem is under your criteria they are only a "wealthy benefactor" away from eligibility - get it!!!!!!

Like Gold Coast or Newcastle is that what you mean?

To get to that level do you honestly think there are fights and violence every week? If they had corporate support would etnic chanting be acceptable. Could their ethnic heritage provide 10,000 spectors every home game? Probably not, but that would mean spectators are comming from different ethnic backgrounds.

So why can't they be in the A-League? Do you have a problem that borders on Racism with them?

For a club to be in a position to join the A-league would'nt they need to have standards in areas of financial support? To get that support would'nt they need an administration with a disciplined and professional outlook? You would think they would have done market research, business plans etc.to even consider putting in a bid.

And what about if I start pulling out all the incidents at the A-League.

Is that kind of violence okay?

I said it before YOU have fallen for the Media trap about our game and the fact that so many WOGS support it.

Wake up.

Edited by Arthur: 19/4/2012 06:40:33 PM

No - these is no Ethnic element with either of these teams which IS the problem with Preston and other similar clubs.
Unlike Chris many here do not believe "ethnic chants are acceptable" in the HAL competition, it is unnecessary divisiveness, that is a scourge of the past.
How did the SMFC v Preston game go recently?

Incidents in the A-League are miniscule by comparison. Pimple faced kids trying to be hard core supporters of the Euro kind just like their old man told them about. Still unacceptable.

But it's a far cry from the politics and nationalistic fever that prompted the NSL violence.

Well then you want one rule for one group and another rule for another group.

I beleive there is a word for this!

those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them

You mean like when everytime South Melbourne played the Knights?

Or that infamous brawl when the Olympic supporters went beserk against Sydney City?

Edited by Arthur: 19/4/2012 06:52:32 PM

Edited by Arthur: 19/4/2012 06:52:47 PM

And what about if I start pulling out all the incidents at the A-League.

Is that kind of violence okay?

I said it before YOU have fallen for the Media trap about our game and the fact that so many WOGS support it.

Wake up.

Edited by Arthur: 19/4/2012 06:40:33 PM

Incidents in the A-League are miniscule by comparison. Pimple faced kids trying to be hard core supporters of the Euro kind just like their old man told them about. Still unacceptable.

But it's a far cry from the politics and nationalistic fever that prompted the NSL violence.

nice try sport - I can make these comments because I grew up following HELLAS.

But have understood that to grow the game we need to move past the ethnic model.
Old NSL had it's day, and will be remembered for a major contribution to the games development as will SM.
But time moves on, and as the saying goes - those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them

No, those thugs are just that, wannabe thugs, unpunished by their NSL club with a foreign football culture where unruly behaviour and disorder is more acceptable.

The main problems arise where politics is involved, Croats vs Serbs and Greeks vs Macedonians.

You know that!

Who would you be refering to there ? huh ?