Canberra soccer fans have indicated they will attend Saturday's A-League clash between the Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United despite the threat of a boycott in reaction to the ACT missing out on an A-League franchise.
Alistair Gibson, of Gordon, is one fan who admitted to considering turning his back on the A-League in protest.
The 26-year-old and his friends were incensed by the Canberra bid's failure. They considered a boycott but want to support soccer Australia-wide.
''All my friends talked about boycotting when we heard there would be no A-League team for Canberra but it was only one conversation,'' Gibson said.
''Once we heard there was a second game coming up we were there and bought tickets.
''I'm sure some people have that frame of mind and might not show up but I hope they do come.''
Gibson said Canberra soccer fans had proven a fickle bunch this year.
More than 20,000 fans crammed Canberra Stadium to watch the Socceroos clash with Kuwait in an Asian Cup qualifier in March.
But only 5139 attended the A-League match between the Mariners and Perth Glory last month.
Gibson attended both fixtures and will continue to attend top-flight soccer in Canberra.
''I try to get to any game I can. Whenever there's soccer in Canberra I'll be the first person through the door,'' Gibson said. A large crowd could be the only thing that will lead to A-League games coming back to Canberra next season and beyond.
On Monday, ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr implied the Government would turn its back on soccer by withdrawing support for future A-League matches. Barr's words created a storm across the capital yesterday as critics and supporters weighed into the debate.
The Canberra Times website was inundated with comments both ridiculing and applauding Barr's stance.
All agreed the withdrawal of Government support would guarantee Saturday's match will be the last in the capital for years.
Terry Barr no relation to the Sports Minister has three children under 10 who play soccer but cannot attend this weekend's match.
Barr said his family would definitely attend if Canberra hosted regular fixtures.
''We'd love to take them along to games,'' Barr said.
''I used to regularly go and see rugby league and I'd like to see more soccer games but we've had things on when the Mariners are in town.
''But if there was regular games we'd go.''
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