South Australia versus Victoria is one of the great rivalries in Australian sport, and Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory matches are no exception.

However, with a history of unsavoury crowd behaviour at previous matches between the sides, Adelaide United are emphasising that there is a safe and non threatening way to support the team.

United CEO Sam Ciccarello has emphasised the club's view on all United games being 'family friendly' events, and he has also reinforced the club's extremely tough zero tolerance stand on poor and offensive behaviour from supporters at Reds home fixtures, including barring any person who acts inappropriately.

"Melbourne and Adelaide games are always emotional and action packed affairs, and there is a way to support your team that is non-threatening to others, which includes rival supporters," Ciccarello said.

 "We do not under any circumstances condone any type of poor or unsatisfactory behaviour amongst our crowd and supporters and at our games, and we as a club do not tolerate poor and unacceptable behaviour from our fans at any matches."

There has been a number of unsavoury incidents in the past during Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory matches, and while emotions can run high in these 'derby-like' encounters, United stress there is a way that supporters can cheer on their side and be beneficial in helping them get over the line, and it is most effective when done in a jovial but non-threatening manner that ensures the safety of all patrons at the game.

The club is also encouraging patrons to arrive with plenty of time before the 7.30pm kick-off to avoid having to wait in lengthy queues and possibly miss the start of the game. Gates open at 4.30pm (ACST) with Adelaide United Youth taking on Melbourne Victory Youth in a curtain raiser at 4.45pm.

Furthermore, special arrangements, including the closure of Manton Street, will be put in place 15 minutes prior to the end of the match at approximately 9.10pm. A full road closure to Manton Street will occur as follows:

  • Manton Street from the South Road intersection through to Adam Street intersection will be closed to all traffic with the exceptions as noted below
  • Cars exiting Holden Street and Bacon Street onto Manton Street will be able to enter onto Manton Street via a left hand turn only
  • No vehicles will be able to enter onto Manton Street from George Street, Milner Street, Mary Street and Richard Street

The road closure will remain in place until approximately 10.25pm. The Charles Street Council and the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.