He just couldn’t help himself. An unknown Canberra Raiders supporter has earned himself a legion of supporters after pretending to rip a bong before kick-off in the nation’s capital on Friday.
The Raiders were back at home, taking on the New Zealand Warriors in a must-win game at Canberra Stadium. The fans were dressed up for the occasion and prepared for the Viking Clap cheer before kick-off.
The Viking chant is a coordinated chant that became extremely popular through its association with Icelandic football fans during UEFA Euro 2016.
The participants chant with raised hands and clap in unison. They start slowly and gradually increase the speed and intensity.
But when the horn sounded, the Raiders fan realized the camera was on him and decided to make a joke.
He was holding a can of liquor in a cooler, so he quickly brought it to his lips and grabbed a lighter, pretending to “light” the can as if it were a water pipe or bong.
There is no evidence that the fan used illegal substances.
Many football fans noticed his simulated act and quickly shared it on social media.
“That brother in the back was blowing a different trumpet,” one fan joked.
“The old icebreaker saxophone,” posted another.
“A few hot beers on a cold Canberra evening,” added another.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was very grateful for the club’s loyal fans, who stood by them despite a four-game losing streak and the biting cold in the Australian Capital Territory.
The quality of the football during the Raiders’ 20-18 victory over the Warriors was also downright dismal.
Stuart’s men were outscored four goals to three but held on thanks to Warriors’ five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita, who endured a shock night in the boot after first-choice goalkicker Adam Pompey was forced off injured.
The Raiders celebrate a thrilling win that ended a four-game losing streak
But the 8,509 fans who braved the polar conditions – apparent temperatures dipped below freezing – won’t care. For the first time in more than three months, they have a home win to celebrate.
“It was freezing out there. I have to thank those fans,” Stuart said. “I’m so glad we won for those people because, Jesus, it was freezing. And for those fans – they’re your loyal people, they’re your loyal people.”
Since their golden point win over the Titans in round six in April, the Raiders have lost at home to Cronulla (40-0), the Roosters (44-16), North Queensland (34-16) and Newcastle (16-12).
“We try not to lose,” Stuart said.
“We’ve been disappointed not to have won the last few home games in front of a big crowd. But it was even more satisfying tonight with the people who were there tonight. They’re determined, tough, loyal fans and I want to thank them.”
Canberra welcomed back injured halfback Jamal Fogarty, who played a part in returning the side to the winners’ list
The results were disappointing, but the performances were even more worrying. They did not resemble those of a top eight team.
But there have also been promising prospects in recent weeks.
Canberra came close against the Knights and looked at their best in the first quarter against the Warriors, taking a 14-0 lead with returning halfback Jamal Fogarty providing much needed direction to the attack.
The Raiders play three of their next five games at home and are counting on Canberra fans to once again transform GIO Stadium into the Viking fortress that was key to success in the glory days.
“I can’t sit here and ask people to come to the games,” Stuart said.
‘All I can do is try to prepare the football team to perform as well as the first 30 minutes.’