Carlton’s Ikon Park vandalised as cheer squad cancels weekly raffle after disastrous loss

Carlton's headquarters at Ikon Park has been vandalised while the club’s cheer squad has cancelled its weekly raffle saying it doesn’t feel comfortable asking supporters for money after Thursday night’s performance.

Carlton’s spiritual home has been vandalised following the club’s disastrous loss to Port Adelaide.

The outer walls of Ikon Park on Royal Parade in Carlton North were sprayed with graffiti which read ‘Sack the board’, ‘Sack Austin Llyod’, ‘Keep Voss’ and ‘TDK yes or no’.

Police said the incident took place around 1am Friday.

“Police are investigating after graffiti was sprayed on the wall of a sporting club on Royal Parade, Carlton North about 1am this morning,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

‘Sack Austin Llyod’ appears to refer to list management boss Nick Austin and football general manager Brad Lloyd.

Mr Lloyd was appointed head of football in 2018 and Mr Austin began at the Blues in 2020.

Cleaners were working to remove the spray paint at 7am.

The incident follows Carlton slumping to a horror 50-point loss against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Ikon Park has been sprayed with graffiti. Picture: Ian Currie

It came after the club’s horror loss to Port Adelaide. Picture: Ian Currie

Cleaners were at work removing the graffiti early Friday morning. Picture: Ian Currie

The humiliating defeat was so bad it prompted the club’s cheer squad to cancel their weekly raffle.

“After last night’s debacle we don’t feel comfortable this week asking Carlton fans to part with their hard earned money,” the squad said in a statement.

“Our love and support for this club are always unwavering and unconditional but we get it — Carlton fans are rightly upset after last night’s showing and we don’t believe asking anything more of them is the answer this week.”

The supporter group said it would instead be giving two fans the chance to walk out on the MCG and raise the banner next week when the Blues take on arch rivals Collingwood.

“Instead of AGAIN asking Carlton fans to give more this week, we’re focusing on GIVING BACK,” the squad said.

“We think it’s about time Carlton fans were repaid for their faith and their dedication to our club.”

The graffiti expressed support for Carlton coach Michael Voss. Picture: Supplied

Police are investigating the incident. Picture: Supplied

It was only minutes into the game before Blues supporters took to social media to vent their frustration at the poor performance.

Moonee Ponds resident Nick Ribera, who is one of 100,000 paying Carlton members, said he was “not surprised” by the loss.

“I think everyone is fed up with their performance over the last year.”

However, he did not believe it would instigate change.

“I don’t think this will fire them up because this kind of thing has happened before and nothing came from it.

“It feels like speaking to a brick wall sometimes down there.”

Anyone who has any information or footage about the Ikon Park incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Carlton’s Ikon Park vandalised as cheer squad cancels weekly raffle after disastrous loss