plfc47fan
Academy Recruit
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2026
- Replies
- 24
I've spent a good portion of the last 48 hours reflecting on the events at the South Melbourne vs Preston Lions match, and I cannot express the anger, shame and disappointment I feel because of the actions of a small group of individuals associated with PB.
These 20 - 30 people, who chose to bring their nationalistic extremism to a football ground instead of leaving it 15,000 km away from Australia, do not represent my football club. I am utterly disgusted by their behaviour, which in no way reflects the integrity, values or culture of Preston Lions FC or the overwhelming majority of its supporters.
I've supported Preston for many years. I've stood by this club through the highs and the lows, and I'll never forget the period between 2009 and 2013 when the club was on its knees and close to folding. We have worked too hard over the last decade to rebuild our reputation and our community to have it jeopardised by a handful of barbaric individuals who have no genuine interest in the club.
I was embarrassed to be sitting beside my female friends and family, who were subjected to the disgusting language coming from these people. It was unprovoked, unnecessary and completely anti-football. I didn't personally see the banners that were displayed, but I can only imagine the disgust felt by the South Melbourne supporters, including the men, women and children who attended.
I am proud to be Macedonian, but this political nonsense has no place in Australian football. At the end of the day, Preston supporters will chant "Makedonia" and South supporters will chant "Hellas" because those names are part of each club's history and identity. That is football tradition. What happened on Saturday went far beyond that and crossed every acceptable line.
Unfortunately, it is the players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and genuine supporters who will suffer through point deductions, sanctions and reputational damage because of a minority who clearly don't care about the game or the club they claim to support. I love a passionate atmosphere when it's football related, respectful and within the spirit of the game. Rivalries should be intense for 90 minutes, but once the final whistle blows, you shake hands, respect your opponent and move on.
I want to thank South Melbourne for their hospitality. Everything I experienced from your club and supporters was respectful, and I hope that mutual respect continues between both clubs moving forward.
Those responsible for Saturday's disgrace deserve nothing less than a minimum 5 year ban. Their actions, including offensive and abusive behaviour towards women, intimidating members of the public, burning national flags, stealing scarves from casual supporters, and using vile language both inside and outside the stadium—have no place in football or society.
The players, the club and the genuine supporters should not continue to be punished for the actions of these uncivilised individuals. Sadly, this is the same group whose previous behaviour contributed to the club's six-point deduction. This is not an isolated incident, it's a pattern. They appear only for ethnic rivalry matches, using them as an excuse to push political extremism rather than support the team. They were present at Oakleigh and North Sunshine away matches, and they disappear for the regular fixtures where you'll find the same loyal supporters, women, children and elderly fans who turn up week after week because they genuinely love Preston Lions.
PB is NOT what Preston Lions represents, nor what the wider Macedonian community stands for. Their pathetic behaviour has tarnished the reputation that so many people have spent years rebuilding and has damaged the relationship between two historic clubs that have, for the most part, worked hard to move beyond old divisions for the good of Victorian football.
It's time for the club and the authorities to draw a line. Enough is enough.
These 20 - 30 people, who chose to bring their nationalistic extremism to a football ground instead of leaving it 15,000 km away from Australia, do not represent my football club. I am utterly disgusted by their behaviour, which in no way reflects the integrity, values or culture of Preston Lions FC or the overwhelming majority of its supporters.
I've supported Preston for many years. I've stood by this club through the highs and the lows, and I'll never forget the period between 2009 and 2013 when the club was on its knees and close to folding. We have worked too hard over the last decade to rebuild our reputation and our community to have it jeopardised by a handful of barbaric individuals who have no genuine interest in the club.
I was embarrassed to be sitting beside my female friends and family, who were subjected to the disgusting language coming from these people. It was unprovoked, unnecessary and completely anti-football. I didn't personally see the banners that were displayed, but I can only imagine the disgust felt by the South Melbourne supporters, including the men, women and children who attended.
I am proud to be Macedonian, but this political nonsense has no place in Australian football. At the end of the day, Preston supporters will chant "Makedonia" and South supporters will chant "Hellas" because those names are part of each club's history and identity. That is football tradition. What happened on Saturday went far beyond that and crossed every acceptable line.
Unfortunately, it is the players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and genuine supporters who will suffer through point deductions, sanctions and reputational damage because of a minority who clearly don't care about the game or the club they claim to support. I love a passionate atmosphere when it's football related, respectful and within the spirit of the game. Rivalries should be intense for 90 minutes, but once the final whistle blows, you shake hands, respect your opponent and move on.
I want to thank South Melbourne for their hospitality. Everything I experienced from your club and supporters was respectful, and I hope that mutual respect continues between both clubs moving forward.
Those responsible for Saturday's disgrace deserve nothing less than a minimum 5 year ban. Their actions, including offensive and abusive behaviour towards women, intimidating members of the public, burning national flags, stealing scarves from casual supporters, and using vile language both inside and outside the stadium—have no place in football or society.
The players, the club and the genuine supporters should not continue to be punished for the actions of these uncivilised individuals. Sadly, this is the same group whose previous behaviour contributed to the club's six-point deduction. This is not an isolated incident, it's a pattern. They appear only for ethnic rivalry matches, using them as an excuse to push political extremism rather than support the team. They were present at Oakleigh and North Sunshine away matches, and they disappear for the regular fixtures where you'll find the same loyal supporters, women, children and elderly fans who turn up week after week because they genuinely love Preston Lions.
PB is NOT what Preston Lions represents, nor what the wider Macedonian community stands for. Their pathetic behaviour has tarnished the reputation that so many people have spent years rebuilding and has damaged the relationship between two historic clubs that have, for the most part, worked hard to move beyond old divisions for the good of Victorian football.
It's time for the club and the authorities to draw a line. Enough is enough.
