Tony Popovic calls on his Melbourne Victory team to provide some Christmas cheer for the club’s members

Tony Popovic says his team can make club members ‘happy’ on Boxing Day by beating Western United.

Tony Popovic was shocked by the Melbourne derby pitch invasion. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic says his team owes its stranded members a memorable peformance on Monday night against Western United to give them something to smile about during the festive season.
As part of the Football Australia-imposed sanctions slapped on the Victory following the pitch invasion at the recent Melbourne derby, Victory fans and members aren’t allowed to attend the Boxing Day clash against United, the home team at AAMI Park.

“We’re a football club with the biggest (football) membership base in the country – 23,000 members,” Popovic said.

“I’m sure those 23,000 members are disappointed they can’t come on Boxing Day and cheer on their team.

“What we can control is that while they’re at home, we can put a smile on their face by showing a true Melbourne Victory performance, (and) make them proud over this Christmas period.

“We can make them happy.”

Tony Popovic is shocked after seeing Victory fans storm the pitch during the Melbourne derby at AAMI Park. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Popovic said his players had done their best not to dwell on the “appalling” derby behaviour of a small section of Victory fans, 10 of who have subsequently been banned – two for life – from all football-related activity in Australia.

“We’re not naive enough to say that it’s not something that we’re thinking about, or that’s not on our minds, but the players have trained extremely well,” he said.

“They know all we can do is train well and try to play as best as we can on Boxing Day against Western United, which is a big game for us, (and) for our football club.

“They’re the champions. so we expect a really tough encounter.”

The absence of Victory fans will not be a blow for the Victory, it will also hurt United – who have a much smaller supporter base – financially.

However, in a club statement, United said: “The priority of everyone at Western United remains to create the most enjoyable, family friendly and safe experience for all at each game.”

In a further blow for football and the A-League, Brisbane Roar fans are also facing punishment after letting off flares in the active supporter group’s bay during their team’s 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Kayo Stadium on Friday night.

Via a club statement, the Roar said: The majority of our members are families, and while we welcome and encourage our active supporters, we will take action against those who breach our standards.

“Flares at our events are entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The club reserves its right to suspend or take broader action against those who do not follow the rule of law and the conditions of entry at our events.”

According to the club statement, about “18 minors” – most of whom weren’t club members – took part in a demonstration 20 minutes into the match.

“(The minors) were engaged by law enforcement and stadium security officers before disbursing,” the club said.

Originally published as Tony Popovic calls on his Melbourne Victory team to provide some Christmas cheer for the club’s members