Active supporters of Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur Bulls plan to remain silent for the first 20 minutes of their A-League Men match at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday. The two groups say the protest is a response to what they perceive as overpolicing for the fixture.
How the protest will work
The active supporters of both clubs will stop their usual backing for the opening 20 minutes of the match. In a statement, the Red and Black Bloc said it would remain completely silent for 20 minutes of the Saturday away game against Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium.
What the Red and Black Bloc said
According to a public statement from the Red and Black Bloc, NSW Police have required personal belongings such as drums, banners and megaphones to be forfeited by the group more than two hours prior to their arrival at the venue, with items only to be returned as reward for good behaviour. The Red and Black Bloc leadership alleges that they were informed in an early season meeting with police and the Australian Professional Leagues that such action would not be taken proactively by police but only in response to any antisocial behaviour from within the group.
The RBB said: "More than a decade of active fans in this country being treated like criminals for wanting to create atmosphere."
The RBB said: "A decade of being searched, surveilled, having our personal property seized, and being given conditions that no other sports fans in this country would ever have to deal with."
The RBB said: "And now it has escalated to our items being taken at the request of NSW Police over an apparent breach that is yet to take place."
Macarthur group joins in
According to the Bullpen's social media response, Macarthur's active group agreed to also stay silent as an act of solidarity. They said: "We are not as big as you. We are not as loud as you. But we share the same passion, and our passion and support will be shared with you across the pitch... in silence ."
