Good Friday furore

Erin Pearson
THE VFL should abandon plans to play a match in Torquay on Good Friday, according to religious and business leaders.
They believe the game would be an insult to Christians on their “sacred day”.
The Independent revealed last week that the league was considering a Williamstown Football Club application to next year host the VFL’s first Good Friday match at Torquay against Geelong.
Catholic priest Father Linh Tran said Good Friday should be “left alone”.
Fr Linh, who described himself as an avid Essendon supporter, said sport created “a bit of interest” but the community must acknowledge the significance of Good Friday.
“I think it’s a great thing for sport to take place but I think we can have it any other day,” he said.
“I think [Good Friday] is so important for us as Christians and unlike any other day.”
Fr Linh, whose parish incorporates towns along the Surf Coast from Grovedale to Anglesea, said the Surf Coast’s Good Friday services attracted “thousands” of worshippers.
“I love sport. In fact, football here for us is a bit of a religion and even I felt terrible when the Bombers lost last weekend but I think Good Friday is a day when Christians commemorate the Lord’s death.”
Torquay Commerce and Tourism Association president Martin Duke said the town’s business owners had also expressed concern.
“Nobody I have spoken with likes the idea because it’s a special day,” he said.
“If you start playing sport on a special day you lose the meaning – you may as well play on Christmas Day as well, then.”
Football Geelong chief executive officer Lee Hartman said he was aware the proposed match would attract opposition but believed it could be an important fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
“If it did get up and running it would be fantastic for Torquay and, with Geelong being involved, it could attract a large crowd and good money could be raised,” he said.
“In the last two years the idea of Good Friday matches has really gained. With the pressure being put on the AFL and six other clubs already playing matches on Good Friday, interest will continue to grow.”