Canberra United's Sprinkler Woes Continue in A-League Clash
Canberra United faced a bizarre and frustrating setback during their recent A-League match, as sprinklers unexpectedly activated on the field, halting play in what has become a recurring issue for the team. This incident, which occurred during a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval, marks the second time in just three matches that Canberra has been disrupted by ill-timed irrigation systems.
Match Interruption Sparks Outrage
During the first half of the game, as Canberra United were building momentum and threatening outside the penalty area, play was abruptly stopped when sprinklers emerged from the turf. The delay lasted several minutes, forcing players to move out of the way until the system retracted. Commentator Alicia Ferguson, a former Matilda, expressed disbelief on Paramount Plus, questioning whether groundskeepers were aware of the match schedule. "Did anyone notify the grounds-people there was a game on?" she remarked, highlighting the amateurish nature of the mishap.
Canberra captain Michelle Heyman was visibly unimpressed, with lead caller Taryn Heddo noting her displeasure. The interruption came at a critical moment, disrupting United's attacking flow and adding to the team's growing frustrations with away venue management.
History Repeats Itself for United
This is not the first time Canberra United have encountered such issues. In round 14, during warm-ups before a match against the Roar in Brisbane, sprinklers also sprayed players right before kick-off. Coach Antoni Jagarinec described the latest incident as a "mistake" but emphasised that it reflects a broader pattern of disrespect towards the team when playing away. "Why our girls are more disappointed is because it also happened during the warm-up against Brisbane Roar," Jagarinec told The Canberra Times. "So it's a bit of a rinse and repeat for us."
Jagarinec called for the A-League to investigate, pointing out that while Canberra ensures their home venue, McKellar Park, is well-maintained and welcoming to opponents, they often do not receive the same courtesy on the road. "When we go away, we don't always get treated with the same respect often ... it's more of a club thing, and how they choose to operate, their logistics, and how much they want to welcome us at their club," he added.
Fan Backlash and League Response
The A-Leagues shared a video of the sprinkler mishap on social media, sparking widespread criticism from supporters. Many fans labelled the incident embarrassing and unprofessional for a league aspiring to top-tier status. One comment read, "How embarrassing. So amateur for a 'professional' league," while another noted, "There's nothing more Australian than this happening during women's sport. Shaking my head." The league has been contacted for comment but has yet to issue a formal response, leaving questions unanswered about future preventative measures.
United's Resilience Shines Through
Despite the distractions, Canberra United secured a vital 2-1 win over Sydney FC, with goals from Beth Gordon and Mary Stanic-Floody propelling the club to third place on the ladder. Only goals difference separates them from second-placed Wellington Phoenix, highlighting their strong position with six regular-season matches remaining. Jagarinec praised his team's confidence and momentum, stating, "We are feeling confident. We played some exceptional football especially in the first half against Sydney FC, and to still take three points despite our second half not being the greatest is a mark of a good team." He added that the squad is focused on pushing forward to finals football.
Looking ahead, Canberra United will travel to Perth to face the Glory on Saturday night, hoping to leave behind the sprinkler saga and continue their pursuit of A-League success.
