LFCMariners
Well-Known Member
Some supporter groups (like the RBB and the BWB) have adopted a distinctly European style to their active support. Although the colour, noise and activity of their displays is impressive and great for the highlights reels, it has caused well-documented problems with security and even bans on tifo pullovers because some people can't resist the temptation to rip a flare underneath. Other groups like The Shed and The Den have a more English style of support. Good to listen to when they are big in number and in full-voice, it can be a bit boring and disorganised at other times. Special mention also to the RCC for their distinctive, Latin American slant on active support.
In more recent weeks the Yellow Army has shown more organisation, noise and flair than it has for some time, which is a positive sign. From here we could adopt the style of one of the bigger supporter groups, however both the popular styles (European/ English) have their drawbacks. I don't think anybody involved in the Yellow Army wants ho-hum active support, but neither do we want a reputation as wannabee ultras and the extra policing+ hatred of opposition supporters that comes with it. My belief is that the Yellow Army should make up for its' lack of numbers (compared to groups like the Cove, the RBB and the BWB) by differentiating ourselves in style from any other supporters group in the A-League. Can we be known as a colourful, passionate support group AND be respected by opposition fans? I say we can do it- and it is already being done. Where, you ask?
The answer is Japan. Practically every travelling group of Japanese supporters to have come over have demonstrated outstanding voice, colour, passion, and an organisation to their support that is on the level of a military parade. The Kashiwa supporters last night, although out-numbered, were brilliant. Having been to Suncorp last year, I remember well how even standing next to The Den, the FC Tokyo fans could be heard clearly from the other end of the ground. The Urawa Red Diamonds (as far as I am aware) are the only away supporters' group to have out-sung the Cove at the SFS.
Not only do the Japanese sing and have a strongly encouraged (but not enforced) "If you stand with us you sing with us" attitude to their support, but their reputation is exemplary. I have yet to hear any negative stories about the behaviour of J-League supporters while over here. Even when they have handed an A-League sides' arse to them on a platter, they have been polite and well-organised.
I think if the Yellow Army models itself on J-League support (but on a smaller scale) we could be the active support equivalent of our team- not the biggest numbers or resources, but a group to be reckoned with who punch above their weight. And respected by our opposition.
Thoughts?
In more recent weeks the Yellow Army has shown more organisation, noise and flair than it has for some time, which is a positive sign. From here we could adopt the style of one of the bigger supporter groups, however both the popular styles (European/ English) have their drawbacks. I don't think anybody involved in the Yellow Army wants ho-hum active support, but neither do we want a reputation as wannabee ultras and the extra policing+ hatred of opposition supporters that comes with it. My belief is that the Yellow Army should make up for its' lack of numbers (compared to groups like the Cove, the RBB and the BWB) by differentiating ourselves in style from any other supporters group in the A-League. Can we be known as a colourful, passionate support group AND be respected by opposition fans? I say we can do it- and it is already being done. Where, you ask?
The answer is Japan. Practically every travelling group of Japanese supporters to have come over have demonstrated outstanding voice, colour, passion, and an organisation to their support that is on the level of a military parade. The Kashiwa supporters last night, although out-numbered, were brilliant. Having been to Suncorp last year, I remember well how even standing next to The Den, the FC Tokyo fans could be heard clearly from the other end of the ground. The Urawa Red Diamonds (as far as I am aware) are the only away supporters' group to have out-sung the Cove at the SFS.
Not only do the Japanese sing and have a strongly encouraged (but not enforced) "If you stand with us you sing with us" attitude to their support, but their reputation is exemplary. I have yet to hear any negative stories about the behaviour of J-League supporters while over here. Even when they have handed an A-League sides' arse to them on a platter, they have been polite and well-organised.
I think if the Yellow Army models itself on J-League support (but on a smaller scale) we could be the active support equivalent of our team- not the biggest numbers or resources, but a group to be reckoned with who punch above their weight. And respected by our opposition.
Thoughts?
