Macarthur FC coach Sasa Ognenovski has voiced his support for Western Sydney Wanderers fans amid protests against over-policing of A-League Men supporters.
The Red and Black Bloc (RBB), Western Sydney’s active supporter group, notably staged a silent protest in the opening 20 minutes of Saturday's goalless draw between the Wanderers and the Bulls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The group said they'd been directed by NSW Police to surrender their drums, megaphone and banners two hours prior to kick-off.
Former Socceroos player Ognenovski, who had a one-season stint at cross-town rivals Sydney FC in 2014, backed the RBB's protest.
"I don't know any any other any other sport in Australia that's policed as much," Ognenovski said.
"Police - are they football fans? Because football fans are what we play for.
"If we're going to restrict everything they do, then they won't turn up.
"The game is about them. We want fans. We don't want them restricted.
"We want them out there doing what they do, cheering for their team.
"I remember when Western Sydney came into the league, the euphoria around what their active support did, and how every other team's active support lifted and made the league.
"That's why we were getting 60,000 people at derbies. "
The RBB also held banners that read "Stand Up For Fans. Not Police Demands" on Saturday as a message to the Australian Professional Leagues.
It's not the first time the RBB have protested against heavy-handed policing, having boycotted the round-20 home match in 2024/25 after six fans were handed banning orders in the previous week's derby.
Western Sydney coach Ufuk Talay on Saturday also backed the RBB's protest, echoing the same points as Ognenovski.
After attendances nosedived during last season's wooden spoon campaign, the Wanderers' contingent of travelling fans - so far won over by Talay - had shown up the home supporters in Campbelltown.
"Football is a spectacle," Talay said.
"They want to come here and enjoy the game and play their drums and sing their songs and jump up and down and support their players.
"There's nothing wrong with that ... The game is nothing without the fans.
"Fans are so important, and I understand their protests.
"We love having them here as well, and we want to see them."
