“I don’t really know where the league goes now": Harper unsure how fans and APL repair fractured relationship

Channel 10 Football commentator Andy Harper has no doubt that fans will make good on their promise to walk out during the weekend’s A-League fixtures and is unsure how the TV broadcast will cover the protest.

The active supporter bases of A-League clubs have vowed to leave games at the 20-minute mark in protest of the APL’s decision to relocate the Grand Final to Sydney for the next three years.

Harper, who will be commentating the Melbourne Derby on Saturday night, had been given no instructions on what to say in commentary when fans inevitably walk out of the stadium.

“I am fully expecting (the walkout) to go ahead,” Harper said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“(The supporters) are annoyed, angry and hurt.

“They’ve done it before…when nearly 200 fans were outed in a major outlet for being banned and it was a horrible experience for those involved.

“The fans have already shown that they’ll do this because they feel like they are powerless to do anything else.

“The only thing they have that they can withhold is their financial support and attendance support.

“I will be in Melbourne looking forward to the football match and 95% of my focus will be on Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City.

“When the fans walk out, I will assume that the cameras will keep rolling and we’ll keep calling the game.

“I haven’t been given any written instructions and I don’t expect there to be.”

The decision by the APL has been met with widespread criticism from fans, former players and commentators due to the lack of transparency over why the decision to move the Grand Final was made.

Harper said that he understands the finances behind the decision but it has come at a significant cost as fans have been let down once again by the league.

“The money deal that (the APL) have struck with the (NSW) government is a very good one,” Harper added.

“Of course, that could pale into insignificance completely with the backlash of fans.

“The fans feel completely isolated not just on this incident (because) there has been some lingering issues between the game, the clubs and the fans.

“(The APL) have misread the room and drastically underestimated the state of things in the minds of the fans.

“I don’t really know where the league goes now.

“Contracts have been signed and I hope in time that common sense and emotions will prevail.”

Round Eight of the A-League kicks off on Friday night between the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar.