Melbourne Victory active supporter group Original Style Melbourne plan return to AAMI Park
The supporters group that was banned in the wake of the violent pitch invasion at the Melbourne derby has announced they will be present at the Victory’s Australia Day fixture.
Original Style Melbourne (OSM), the active supporter group who planned a 20-minute walkout at the Melbourne derby that turned into a violent pitch invasion, have announced they are returning.
Melbourne Victory are hosting fierce rivals Sydney FC this Thursday on Australia Day in one of the club’s biggest fixtures of the season, and OSM’s latest statement on their Instagram and Facebook pages says they’ll be in attendance.
“Just like in years gone by, our presence remains a constant despite results on the pitch, and restrictions in the stands,” the statement reads.
They went on to reveal their strategy for congregating together at the match, telling fans to buy tickets in a specific corner of AAMI Park.
OSM’s preferred area of seating behind the goals at the North End has been restricted as a result of the sanctions imposed by Football Australia, but they see no reason why they can’t set up shop in another section of the stadium.
This is despite Melbourne Victory stating they have “committed to the disbandment of any A-League Men’s active supporter groups that were recognised at the time” of the Melbourne derby in December last year.
In a separate statement, OSM dismissed their club’s pledge and revealed they would continue to support Melbourne Victory regardless of the club’s wishes.
“OSM will not be disbanding. Our group was formed independently and only we control our future,” the statement reads.
“As long as fans are allowed inside the stadium, we will be there and our voice will be heard.
“To those wishing for our demise, make no mistake, we will always be there!”
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As of January 10, 17 fans had received bans as a result of the pitch invasion, including three for life, while the infamous ‘bucket man’ who allegedly threw a bucket full of sand that concussed Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover, will return to court late next month.
While OSM posted on social media that they “take full responsibility” for what occurred at the Melbourne derby, a second post that included an apology to Tom Glover and referee Alex King has since been deleted.
The original intention of the walkout at the 20-minute mark of the match was to protest the Australian Professional League’s decision to move the A-League Grand Final to Sydney for three seasons, however things took a dramatic turn for the worse.
Originally published as Melbourne Victory active supporter group Original Style Melbourne plan return to AAMI Park
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