The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are bringing their NFC West rivalry to a very different setting in Week 1. With the matchup scheduled to take place in Melbourne, Australia, the usual home-field debate has taken an international turn. Kyle Shanahan has made his feelings about the change clear, but Rams fans are not exactly sympathetic to his complaints.
This situation has become a new talking point ahead of the teams’ meeting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Rams Fans Fire Back at Kyle Shanahan Over Australia Game
Shanahan initially disliked seeing the Rams-49ers matchup moved overseas because it removed the chance for San Francisco fans to flood SoFi Stadium. The 49ers coach believes the Rams avoided an unusual home-field problem, since red jerseys have often filled the Los Angeles venue when the teams meet there.
After spending several days in Melbourne, however, Shanahan acknowledged that the atmosphere may still favor his team. The large 49ers following in Australia has changed his view of the matchup, even as his frustration with the scheduling decision remains.
Shanahan said the NFL had “let the Rams off the hook” by moving the game away from SoFi. He had earlier proposed a solution for next season, saying, “I’m requesting them in Mexico. Not that it gives us an advantage, but it’s fair to make them go out of the country twice too.”
This stance did not sit well with Rams fans on X.
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One fan dismissed the importance of attendance, writing, “Rams fans know that already. Who cares about majority attendance? 9ers fanbase will always overtake every stadium. That doesn’t win Super Bowls. How many Super Bowls has Shanahan won? Have 9ers even won a Super Bowl in last 30 years???”
Rams fans know that already. Who cares about majority attendance ? 9ers fanbase will always overtake every stadium. That doesn’t win super bowls. How many super bowls has Shanahan won? Have 9ers even won a Super Bowl in last 30 years ???
— Steven Campos (@StevenCampos2) September 7, 2026
Another fan took a more direct shot at Shanahan’s complaints, posting, “Lol… that’s all Shanahan has because he has nothing else. He can’t win a big game for you losers.”
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The criticism then turned toward the 49ers’ stadium history. One Rams supporter wrote, “49ers are obsessed with SoFi because their idiot owner couldn’t figure out how to build a stadium in 2014 without sunburning 60% of the crowd.”
49ers are obsessed with SoFi because their idiot owner couldn’t figure out how to build a stadium in 2014 without sunburning 60% of the crowd
— Back 2 Back (@ladkr24) September 7, 2026
The rivalry talk continued as another fan labeled San Francisco the “Whiners,” adding, “That’s why they’re called the Whiners, all they care about is attendance because they’re about to get dog walked on Thursday.”
That’s why they’re called the Whiners all they care about is attendance because they’re about to get dog walked on Thursday
— Matt (@matt08buzz) September 7, 2026
Not every response focused on the crowd.
One fan simply backed the Rams’ chances, writing, “Doesn’t matter. We would still win. Anytime any place.”
Doesnt matter. We would still win. Anytime any place
— SoCal Sports (@DmSoCal) September 7, 2026
Another supporter finished with a broader criticism of Shanahan, writing, “Dude talks a lot of (expletive) for not winning absolutely nothing ever!”
The game itself will provide the final answer. San Francisco, which ranked below the Rams in PFN NFL Offense Impact Metric last year, arrived early to handle the 17-hour time difference, while Sean McVay and his team have planned to arrive about 24 hours before kickoff.
The teams will play on Thursday night for the U.S. audience, with the international setting bringing a different element to their rivalry.
