'Pathetic': Stadium security slammed for 'petty' A-League move

Brisbane Roar fans have slammed officials at Suncorp Stadium after a makeshift tribute to retiring star Matt McKay was removed by security.

To celebrate McKay’s final A-League game in Brisbane, one Roar fan decided to dress the statue of Wally Lewis in McKay’s number 17 jersey.

Unfortunately, security at the stadium were quick to act, removing the jersey from the statue.

Their actions didn’t escape the attention of the Brisbane Roar Fans account on Twitter – and from there, condemnation was swift.

While most fans concentrated their fury on stadium security, Twitter user Hugo rightly pointed out one of the more mystifying elements of the story.

“Completely disgraceful from Suncorp but first and foremost how did you even get the shirt on?” they wrote.

Roar fall short in legend’s farewell

Unfortunately for the Roar, they weren’t able to give their club legend the fairytale farewell he deserved.

In front of a massive 11,7900-strong crowd, Brisbane fell 5-3 to Adelaide United in an entertaining goal-fest.

Overall, ex-Socceroo McKay made 302 appearances for the Roar.

“I’m a proud Queenslander, I love getting out on Suncorp (Stadium) in front of these fans,” McKay said after his final outing.

“I’m very sad to finish my career but I try to teach my (children) to try their hardest and put everything into every day and I feel like I’ve done that throughout my career.”

The Roar are likely to have a very busy off-season, with 13 players coming off contract and new coach Robbie Fowler ready to take control.

Interim coach Darren Davies, who will remain with the club as an assistant coach next season, said the club was ready to look to the future.

“The new manager’s in place and we can really sit down, plan our way forward and then fully support the new manager in getting us back to where we want to be next season,” Davies said after the game.