Today, a rather abrasive statement has been sent to Como from their ultras group, regarding the decision to play AC Milan in Australia.
There are many groups left frustrated by the decision to play Milan-Como abroad, let alone half the world away. It is a choice that baffles, even if it is under the premise of raising the profile of Serie A to the world.
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Of course, it is a big incentive and a chance, and whilst they say all publicity is good publicity, this may not be. Players have already voiced their annoyance at the decision, whilst Cesc Fabregas has also made his thoughts known.
Como fans reply
Nevertheless, with UEFA’s decision, the game seems inevitable to be played abroad. Yesterday, Como released a statement to their fans and other Serie A fans, but it has not been received well by their own family.
The Como Curva have, today, spoken out against the decision, as can be read below, via MilanPress.
“We read the club’s words in silence, with respect. However, faced with certain messages, this silence cannot continue. Now let’s talk!
“Dearest President and Club, now we know your position regarding the Milan-Como match that will be played in Perth. Elegant words, grand speeches on the “common good,” on “growth,” and on “necessary sacrifice.”
“Well, then, let’s talk about it. First of all, thank you. Thank you for your ambition, for the work you are doing to give visibility to Como, and for your desire to make our city’s name grow. We are the first to be proud when our shirt reaches far.
“But there’s a small detail that seems to have escaped you: Como without its people is not Como. You talk about sacrifice as if it were an abstract concept, a word to be put in a press release. For us, however, sacrifice is daily life.
“It’s those who work all week and on Sundays travel hundreds of kilometres to be there. It’s those who pay for everything out of their own pockets, without asking for anything from anyone. It’s those who were there in Serie D, on the pitches that not even the navigator could find it, and it will always be there, wherever this shirt plays.
“So no, don’t come and explain to us what ‘sacrifice for the common good’ means. Because we are the ones who keep Como’s good alive, every time we enter the stands, every time we raise a scarf, every time we sing, even when we lose. And it doesn’t seem very respectful to hear us say we should “sacrifice ourselves again” for a match 14,000 kilometres from home. Perhaps some have forgotten that football is born from the people, not from marketing strategies.
“That without fans, without true passion, there is no growth, no future, not even a ‘league’ to save. Our faith doesn’t travel business class. It stays here, in the stands, in the rain and the cold, among chants and flags. It stays in Como, where the heart of this team truly beats. With respect, but firmly, we say it clearly.
“We don’t accept lessons in sacrifice from those who have never experienced ours. Show a little pride, respect, and dignity, don’t accept this “invitation.” Passion can’t be bought; seeing your fans sing and push the team to victory is priceless. We urge everyone not to be complicit in this farce. Don’t be puppets.
no one is really happy about this other than the Perthians
Yeah well I think we’re in total agreement with this one. Everyone. Imagine being a dedicated Como fan and wanting to see them play against Milan, but then having to spend thousands on plane tickets and a hotel.
An average person can’t just travel 13,000+ km to watch one game.
This whole set up is preposterous. Somebody needs to intervene and cancel it.
And of course Milan fans too.
And I’m probably slightly off with my distance estimate. But you get the point.
I don’t mind plane travel, but that’s a brutal distance. I once flew from Buenos Aires to Madrid non-stop and it was a terrible flight. Awful. And that was ten thousand kilometers.
If anyone travels from Italy or any other place in Europe to watch Milan vs Como in Australia, needs to get his priorities straight.
Football became an entertainment only industry. Entertainment for the masses in order to hide the real problems.
The game became completely emasculated, tons of players with no depth or values beyond playing football (Vini, Mbappe, Neymar, etc).
Ogres like Infantino and Ceferin are further expanding entertainment in the name of “common good” and blah blah while lining up their pockets. Most heinous crimes were performed under the name of common good and truth.