Shocking photos prove Aussie football has a HUGE problem despite the Matildas’ incredible success at the World Cup
- Asian Champions League match held in Melbourne
- Japanese second division team better in 0-0 draw
- Disappointing result for A-League side Melbourne City
Following the Matildas’ incredible success at the World Cup, there was hope that Australian football had turned a corner.
But if the shocking crowds at Wednesday night’s AFC Asian Champions League clash between Melbourne City and Ventforet Kofu at AAMI Park are anything to go by, the code needs to find a better way to attract fans.
And it has to happen quickly, given that only 3,245 supporters were in attendance.
That figure is grim when you consider at least 90,000 fans will descend on the MCG on Friday night when Collingwood take on the GWS Giants in the AFL preliminary final.
The 0-0 result was also disappointing for Melbourne City given Vontforet Kofu plays in Japan’s second-tier J2 competition.
Wednesday night’s AFC Asian Champions League clash between Melbourne City and Ventforet Kofu at AAMI Park attracted just 3,245 fans – with row after row of empty seats.
The shocked crowd left football fans wondering how the sport can remain relevant and build on the Matildas’ success at the World Cup.
Football fan Ben Williams spoke for many when he described the crowds as “truly horrible”.
“The only Australian representative in ACL2023 this season and they were sung by fans of a J2 club,” he said. tweeted on X.
“Huge image problem for gaming in Australia.”
Many other frustrated fans agreed – and it also emerged that the cheapest tickets for the ACL clash were $40 plus booking fees.
” It is shameful ! No wonder the fans don’t give a damn,” one fumed.
Another posted: “We like to exclude people from football in this country.
“The Asian Cup in 2015 and the Women’s World Cup are about the only two times we’ve been successful…and we’ve been richly rewarded.”
It is also understood the cheapest tickets for the ACL clash cost $40 plus booking fees.
Melbourne City captain Jamie Maclaren admitted it was a sloppy performance on the field.
“I have to keep in mind that this is a new group, we have around 13 new players, so to play our style of football it takes time,” he said.
“At home we want to be at the forefront… but sometimes we have been dominated.”
After winning the A-League premiership last season, Melbourne City are the only Australian team to compete in the Asian Champions League.
The AFC Cup features Central Coast Mariners – who lost 1-0 to Terengganu FC in Malaysia on Wednesday night – and Australian Cup winners Macarthur FC, who face Shan United in Myanmar on Thursday night at 22 hours (AEST).