Melbourne City's fan group is disbanding in a major blow to the A-League club but the "Melburnians" insist it is nothing to do with the ongoing non-selection of Bruno Fornaroli.
This week's Melbourne derby at AAMI Park will be the last to feature City's official supporters group, which has long alleged heavy handed treatment from stadium officials and bemoaned restrictions from the club and local police.
Bruno Fornaroli (centre) has been out of the side for a month.Credit:AAP
Its numbers have dropped, making its operation less sustainable.
A written statement said the Melburnians would "retire" in vocal fashion against their arch-rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Advertisement
It follows the group's antipathy towards coach Warren Joyce, who hasn't selected Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornaroli for the last four matches.
The fanbase's demands for an explanation have gone unheeded by Joyce or City management.
"We stress that this does not have any relation to Bruno Fornaroli and his exclusion from the squad," the statement said.
"The issues we've faced have been there for a number of years now, with multiple leadership changes as a result of it."
However, Fornaroli's absence may have played a part in slumping overall crowd numbers for City at AAMI Park, with just 6013 on hand for their most recent home game against Newcastle.
Those figures and what is likely to become a funereal atmosphere at future home games will be a major concern to club officials given the introduction of expansion outfit Western Melbourne Group next season.
The Melburnians have promised a colourful 90 minutes in their final appearance, hoping their fourth-placed team can halt the defending champions' run of six straight wins.
"We implore you, put aside your disdain towards the club for one week," the statement said.
AAP
Most Viewed in Sport
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
