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Clive Palmer thanks United’s hardy fans

Clive Palmer thanks United’s hardy fans

GOLD Coast United owner Clive Palmer has heaped praise on the ten thousand plus supporters who, despite atrocious weather conditions, showed a commitment to their team and their game by flocking to Skilled Park for yesterday’s washed out match.

Referee Chris Beath called the game off in the 19^th minute with fears for the safety of the players as the rain continued to fall on the saturated field. But the spirits of the faithful weren’t dampened in the downpour with the atmosphere at kick-off time festive and light hearted.

“It was a great success in the sense that we had over 23,000 tickets snapped up and over 10,000 people in the stadium in what were appalling weather conditions,” Mr Palmer said.

“I want to thank everyone who took the trouble to come to the game yesterday. You braved the horrible weather and came to the match regardless so you could give your support to your team.

“I also want to extend a big thank you to the fans in ‘The Beach’. Your enthusiastic support created a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and it was great to see. Overall it was a brilliant effort by the Gold Coast community and I want to thank everyone who came.

“We are all very disappointed that the game had to be abandoned due to the state of the pitch. It is such a shame that the supporters didn't get to see how good the team is and how committed they were to putting on a good show and winning the match.”

United Head Coach Miron Bleiberg echoed the views of Mr Palmer, saying the Gold Coast supporters were the real heroes of the day.

“All the credit in the world must go to the Gold Coast public. To get over 10,000 people there in weather like that shows the support for us is there.

“You can’t really praise the supporters enough for their commitment and it’s just a shame that the weather was as bad as it was and the pitch was unable to cope.

“I hope that all those people who came out have seen enough to come back again and support the team. The atmosphere inside the stadium was great and after the build up during the week we were all really looking forward to the day. It didn't turn out how we wanted it to, but everyone can see now that the potential is there.”