Melbourne Victory coach stresses the importance of the Pride Cup as group of fans boycott clash with Adelaide United

Melbourne’s victory coach, Arthur Diles, says that the club’s Copa Pride game “represents what football is about” and did not notice the absence of fans who chose not to attend his pulsating 5-3 victory over Adelaide.

Victory and Adelaide played a double a-League Women/A-League Men for the Copa Pride on Saturday in an initiative that works to make the sport more cozy for the LGBTIQ+community.

But the leadership of the Group of Active Supporters of North Terrace de Victory was absent for two high -risk games against one of the biggest rivals of the club.

On the other hand, that group attended the game of Victoria NPLM team against Green Gully in Shepparton, with their banks on exhibition in fences, in a movement widely criticized by other victory supporters.

There was still a large group of active fans for the triumph of 5-3 alm and tell them stressed the importance of the pride game.

“I really didn’t notice because we still had large numbers behind both ends of the objectives,” said Diles.

“In the end, it is a round of pride this week and it is a game that represents what football is about, and it is for everyone.

“In the end, it was a football match. He had associated him with him, which is great. We have to accept all of all areas of life.

“In the end, we had a great crowd there tonight. We had our assets behind both ends, which were fantastic again.

“Adelaide also came with some good numbers, which showed that it is a derby.

“Clean play for their fans who also appeared, also made it a really good atmosphere. So, in the end, it’s a great night.”

The accumulation of Victory to the game itself was relatively discreet, with the club focusing its plans of the Cup of Pride during the week on education and staff education sessions.

While Victory’s A-League players wore rainbow names and numbers in their 2-1 victory, their players had standard white names and numbers.

It is understood that the victory initially planned to have the captain’s bracelets for its Alm and Alw teams, but the women’s team had specifically requested to have arc names and numbers.

Men’s players had not requested not to use rainbow names and numbers.

Both Adelaide teams brought rainbow names and numbers.

Adelaide has been leaders in the LGBTIQ+space, especially after the player who is quoted to the Joseh Cavallo list came out as Gay in 2021, and was subjected to homophobic abuse by some victory fans in 2022.

Adelaide had a great hand -traveling contingent, while Alm, Carl Veart coach and Alw’s counterpart, Adrian Stenta, wore iris arc tape pins.

“It’s about being inclusive and everyone has to feel safe,” said Veart.

“And we have provided that environment with our culture in the club and its surroundings. Our followers always feel part of the club.

“It has taken time to reach this point and it is a loan for all those who work in the club and all our followers that we are very inclusive and we are quite open with our communication.”

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