- Fans can become members of the ‘Swarm’ for Eels home games
- Similar to RBB with A-League’s Western Sydney Wanderers
- Call to arms was largely panned by fans on social media
A-League fans have mocked the Parramatta Eels after the NRL club announced a ‘new’ initiative at Commbank Stadium ahead of their 11 home games this year.
Much like the Western Sydney Wanderers’ famed Red and Black Bloc (RBB) followers, Eels supporters have been actively encouraged to join the ‘Swarm’ with the footy season now underway.
The Swarm will be first introduced when Jason Ryles’ men host the Wests Tigers on Sunday, March 16 from 4:05pm AEDT with seating in Bay 121 and 122.
Memberships start at $264 for adults, with concession and junior (16 and under) also available.
The Eels posted about joining the Swarm – which is clearly adapted from the Wanderers RBB support base – via their social media platforms on March 13.
Not surprisingly, the feedback was savage.
A-League fans have mocked the Parramatta Eels after the NRL club announced a ‘new’ game-day initiative at Commbank Stadium (pictured, five-eighth Dylan Brown)
Much like the Western Sydney Wanderers’ famed Red and Black Bloc (RBB) followers, Eels supporters have been actively encouraged to join the ‘Swarm’ with the footy season now underway
Swarm members have been asked to meet at the adjacent Parramatta Leagues Club before the Tigers clash on March 16 ahead of an ‘official march’ to the ground
Sports reporter Mike Tuckerman tweeted the move from the Eels was ‘brazen’ and a ‘full-blown rip-off of genuine football culture’
‘What a creative new concept,’ said one bemused supporter on X. ‘Haha trying to be [like] football fans,’ pointed out another.
A third asked: ‘Are you paying us to join?
Sports reporter Mike Tuckerman tweeted the move from Parramatta was ‘brazen’ and a ‘full-blown rip-off of genuine football culture.’
He then added his belief that NSW Police have been ‘heavy-handed’ towards Wanderers fans at times in recent years, especially in A-League derby games involving Sydney FC.
Following Tuckerman’s tweet, some fans asked on X if the same number of officers will be out in force at the Eels’ NRL match.
Daily Mail Australia contacted NSW Police for comment.
The Wanderers fanatical support base – the RBB – was established in 2012, ahead of the club beginning their sporting journey.
Success quickly followed on the field, with an A-League grand final appearance in their first season, before winning the Asian Champions League in 2014.
At their peak, home crowds at Commbank Stadium were electric due to the atmosphere generated by the RBB, but it has tapered off in recent years as the Wanderers haven’t been as successful.
The RBB remain, but as interest in the embattled A-League continues to drop off, so have their numbers.
