STAND up and make some noise! Football Federation Australia has been calling spectators who have bought tickets in the Socceroos Active area for the World Cup qualifier against Japan next month to warn them about the expectations of behaviour in in active areas.

The move follows issues at recent Socceroos matches, including the game against Iraq in Perth where many fans bought tickets in the active area then complained about the flags and supporters who were standing.

There was reportedly a hostile atmosphere for much of the game between active fans and those who had their view of the game affected.

The issue was exacerbated by staff and security, who were confronted by complaints over standing fans and subsequently tried to get active fans to sit down in their ticketed seats.

Active areas work well in A-League football where fans become used to the routines, including the culture of standing where you want within a section.

Long time Socceroos supporter Pablo Bateson, who was attending his 37th successive home and away qualifier in Perth, said troubles had been mounting for a while.

“It’s been a problem for the last few years,” Bateson told foxsports.com.au. “The last game in Adelaide, in particular, it was very frustrating to see family groups and friends, often casually dressed, coming into the active end with tickets insisting they sat in their specified seats and not standing up and participating as expected and that’s continued on.

“It’s a level of awareness issue among many home supporters who don’t participate. They’re expected to stand and sing and a lot of people aren’t doing that, but are still going in there.

“We need to raise awareness about the issues and the ticket agencies could do a much better job in partnership with FFA, so when people go to try and get tickets in that section it becomes really clear what the obligations are.”

Football Federation Australia has confirmed it is calling buyers in the active area for the massive clash against Japan at Etihad Stadium on October 11.

“FFA is committed to the Socceroos Active Support areas to ensure the authentic and passionate atmosphere football offers helps drive the Socceroos towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” said an FFA spokesperson.

“Our Fan Engagement department has been contacting everyone who has purchased tickets in the Active Support Area at Docklands Stadium to ensure they understand the vibrant nature of that part of the ground. Those who have inadvertently purchased into the Active Support Area have been given the opportunity to sit in a different area to make sure the Active Supporters can generate the best possible atmosphere.

“The Socceroos clash with Japan is looming as one of the best matches of the World Cup Qualifying campaign and we look forward to an incredible atmosphere with fans of both teams generating amazing noise and colour.”

Socceroos fans at Adelaide Oval. Source: News Corp Australia

Bateson said it was a positive step.

“It’s really good to hear the FFA are ringing people who have purchased tickets for the Japan game — that communication is good,” he said. “A lot of fans will say ‘yeah, I know what to do’. That’s fine, but they’re probably also getting through to fans who didn’t really have a clue or didn’t really care.”

Bateson said he hoped stadium and security staff were also being briefed.

“One of the problems is inconsistencies across the stadiums, there needs to be a lot more consistency so the staff and security understand.”