Sprinklers soak A-League Women's players immediately after match at Allianz Stadium in 'appalling' scenes
Spectators and players at an A-League Women's match have been left stunned after the sprinkler system at Allianz Stadium detonated immediately after Sydney FC's 4-0 victory over the Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
Footage of the incident showed the sprinkler system coming on within a minute of full time, with players from both teams still on the field.
"Yet another example of the lack of respect the A-League Women's competition receives," spectator Pete Nowakowski said on Twitter.
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The sprinkler system goes off at Allianz Stadium with female players still on the pitch. @petenowakowski via Twitter
The act has sparked fierce debate online about the regard shown to the women's national league.
"I get the lack of time between games being an issue, but to turn sprinklers (on) directly after full time without warning players, not cool. Players deserve more than that," Nowakowski said in reply to another Tweet.
With the match serving part of a double header with the A-League Men's game between Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC, some fans argued that the sprinklers ran on automatic timers, and therefore should be factored into the match day scheduling.
However, others believed the mix-up with players was senseless from the organisers and groundskeepers, describing it as "ridiculous" and "appalling" treatment.
According to A-League Crowds on Twitter, just under 4300 fans were present to watch the women's game.
With the four-goal win, Sydney FC move to the on the A-League Women's ladder.
It's not the first time Australia's leading female footballers have encountered problems with sprinklers, with the Matildas experiencing a rude surprise during a training session earlier this year.
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