Protesting fans overlooked by broadcasters

Those on social media following last week's rather drab 2-0 win for the Melbourne Victory over Perth Glory would have been aware of the sideshow that took over the game for the second half as a portion of the Victory's active support, the Northern Terrace, left and protested outside of AAMI Park from half time onwards as a result of claims of security mistreatment.

The protesters eventually participated in one big game of football next door on Gosch's Paddock before dispersing at the request of police.

The Northern Terrace and Victory officials have had disagreements since the beginning of the season when members were subjected to extra security, banned 'crew' banners and a host of other conditions that have put the active supporters in a spin. Members of the Northern Terrace have since relocated to the upper deck of Etihad Stadium in protest but the mass walkout during Friday night's game was on another level.

The change in atmosphere after half time was obvious to all that watched SBS's free-to-air broadcast of the game. Although the South End active support continued, the large void left by those that had vacated meant that the game, which remained 1-0 for the majority of an underwhelming second half, provided a boring affair for those at home.

There have been complaints from some that criticised SBS for not mentioning the walkout and protest but there is a very good reason why they made that decision: it looks bad. The deterioration of the relationship between club officials and its fans makes Melbourne Victory look bad and it makes the A-League look bad.

The A-League is in a position where the competition simply will not survive without the upkeep of the current level of support . As a growing competition that continues attempts to bring in more supporters, it doesn't look good to a passerby that happens to flick on TV and see a major part of a home team's active support absent, especially a group that won the Supporter Group of the Year award earlier in the year, or the hosts talking about how supporters and club officials are against each other.

This is not to say that it is the supporters' fault. As paying members wanting to enjoy themselves in a controlled environment, these people well and truly deserve the right to act out in a non-violent manner if they feel they are being mistreated, as they have. However, the issues between Northern Terrace members and officials have gone on for far too long and threaten to become the main focal point at the club when all involved should be focused on winning.

Victory head coach Kevin Muscat said that he hoped the dispute between the club and the Northern Terrace would be sorted out this week, confirming that he and the players are aware of the situation and it is having some effect. Supporters feuding with the club shouldn't be an issue for the players and coaching staff to worry about.

It is clear that the fans are disgruntled. Coming up to the make-or-break part of the season, the number one priority for Melbourne Victory representatives needs to be finding some middle ground and getting on the same page with a vital part of the club's supporter base. All involved with the club need to be focused on winning games rather than feuding with each other. The situation dragging on only heightens interest in a negative sideshow rather than the football.

The Victory face crosstown rival Melbourne Heart in the Melbourne Derby this weekend and there will no doubt be a large contingency of blue and white in the Northern Terrace. Both the Terrace members and Victory officials should put great importance on swiftly sorting out the drawn-out issues to keep those supporters there; then the club can thrive and contribute to the progression of the A-League.