Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Bhayangkara Surabaya United Excited About New Fan Base
Something strange happened yesterday in Sidoarjo, East Java. People turned out for Surabaya United. Ok, they are no longer Surabaya United in the same way they are no longer Persikubar nor are they Persebaya nor are they Persebaya United and neither are they Bonek United.
The club that has struggled for a fan base ever since they were parachuted into Indonesia's second largest city now have one and they turned out in force yesterday for the club launching.
Since their 'merger' with PS Polri, the police football club such as it was, Surabaya United are now known as Bhayangkara Surabaya United as that is a bit of a mouthful I will shorten it to BS United.
Of course with it now being all but owned by the boys in uniform they now get an avid following as coppers the length and breadth of the country will follow 'their' team. Indeed videos recently surfaced on the internet showing police personnel in uniform on the parade ground learning the words to the songs fans sing. Some were enthusiastic, others less so.
Last week invites were sent out asking new fans to go to the Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo for the official launching or Persebaya Bhayangkara which caused much merriment in the area. For Persebaya fans there is only one Persebaya and BS United ain't it.
The presence of BS United adds spice to the new campaign for sure. Will there be a rivalry on the field with PS TNI like there is off it? Will there be any serious crowd disorder at their home games. Losing 1-0 at home deep in injury time will refs have the bottle to turn down doubtful penalty appeals?
But why are the police getting involved in football and why now? The chief of police says he sees the potential of football in Indonesia and wants to be part of the process that helps improve the game.
First up for the Cops is an away game at Barito Putera. Following that is their first home game of the season. And their oppenents? You know, it...PS TNI!
The club that has struggled for a fan base ever since they were parachuted into Indonesia's second largest city now have one and they turned out in force yesterday for the club launching.
Since their 'merger' with PS Polri, the police football club such as it was, Surabaya United are now known as Bhayangkara Surabaya United as that is a bit of a mouthful I will shorten it to BS United.
Of course with it now being all but owned by the boys in uniform they now get an avid following as coppers the length and breadth of the country will follow 'their' team. Indeed videos recently surfaced on the internet showing police personnel in uniform on the parade ground learning the words to the songs fans sing. Some were enthusiastic, others less so.
Last week invites were sent out asking new fans to go to the Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo for the official launching or Persebaya Bhayangkara which caused much merriment in the area. For Persebaya fans there is only one Persebaya and BS United ain't it.
The presence of BS United adds spice to the new campaign for sure. Will there be a rivalry on the field with PS TNI like there is off it? Will there be any serious crowd disorder at their home games. Losing 1-0 at home deep in injury time will refs have the bottle to turn down doubtful penalty appeals?
But why are the police getting involved in football and why now? The chief of police says he sees the potential of football in Indonesia and wants to be part of the process that helps improve the game.
First up for the Cops is an away game at Barito Putera. Following that is their first home game of the season. And their oppenents? You know, it...PS TNI!
# posted by Me @ 8:23 AM 
