Western Sydney Wanderers boss ‘disturbed’ by fan reports of clash with police at derby match

Wild new footage of police tackling fans at a Sydney A-League match on the weekend has emerged, with one club boss expressing concern for the safety of supporters.

Extended footage of wild scenes that unfolded between fans and police during an A-Leagues match in Sydney has emerged, as supporters vow to boycott upcoming games over their treatment.

Western Sydney Wanderers chief executive Scott Hudson said the club was alarmed by the stories of fans in attendance at the derby against Sydney FC on Saturday night, where police descended on members of active support group the Red and Black Bloc.

Mr Hudson said in a statement the club had requested the overturning of bans issued to several supporters after reviewing footage from CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

“We are very disturbed by the feedback we have received from various parts of the stadium regarding their experience last Saturday night,” the club said on Tuesday.

“There is clearly a broader issue and we stand in solidarity with our members and fans.”

Western Sydney Wanderers fans staged a walk out after several supporters were arrested on Saturday. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

A compilation of videos taken by fans on Saturday night, which was posted to social media by the RBB, appears to show dozens of police officers manhandling or dispersing supporters.

Some appear to be pushed in the back, flung to the ground or crash tackled by several officers, with claims at least one Wanderers fan targeted was a 14-year-old boy.

NSW Police said in a statement officers were called to assist security after a fight broke out in the concourse area, and dispersed the group with “no injuries reported”.

“A 37-year-old man was ejected and issued a banning notice with a large number of spectators also leaving the stadium in support,” it said.

“As a result of the police operation, 14 people were ejected, six of which were issued banning notices. Two people were issued infringement notice, one for offensive behaviour and a second for igniting a flare just before full time.”

"The RBB has gone AWOL. Not quite sure what that's all about. Are they walking out in disgust, or was this a planned protest? Anyway, for the time being, they've vacated their spots on the terrace. See if they return."
10 Football's @simonhill1894
📱📺💻 - #SydneyDerby on 10 Bold pic.twitter.com/6fIixYJQv5

— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) March 2, 2024

The RBB has claimed the melee began when up to 20 supporters were stopped trying to enter the club’s active bay behind the goals – where they held tickets – after helping with a large banner displayed in another stand.

The arrests prompted the RBB to walk out about 20 minutes into the match, which Western Sydney lost 4-1 to its cross-town rivals.

“Until such time that all unfairly issued ban notices from the weekend’s game are overturned and a meeting is arranged between ourselves and all stakeholders, specifically NSW Police, Venues NSW and security contractors – we will be absent from games, starting with this week’s home game,” the RBB said.

Part 2/2. Our message is clear to the League. Get behind your fans now or you'l have nothing left very soon. We're on the brink. Supporting your team shouldn't look like this. A whole shift of antoginising fans then pouncing on them, only to justify their presense. #RBTVWSWpic.twitter.com/rruU8J6oJU

— RBTV (@RBTVWSW) March 5, 2024

Mr Hudson confirmed the banner was “approved prior to the match by all stakeholders”, dismissing previous reports the display was unauthorised.

“Furthermore, we are urgently seeking a meeting with senior representatives from NSW Police and Venues NSW to discuss these issues,” he said.

“With consideration to recent incidents in football around the country, the Wanderers are calling for an All of Game response to current processes and safety procedures.”

A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia said in an open letter published on Wednesday that fans were the “lifeblood” of the competition.

“While we don’t condone violence or anti-social behaviour of any kind, we will defend the reputation of our game and stand up for the rights and safety of our fans,” he said.

A-League Commissioner Nick Garcia issued an open letter today. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“Creating a safe and enjoyable environment is our number one priority.

“We are concerned with some of the reports and footage from the weekend and are finalising our investigation in collaboration with fans, clubs, venues, security and police.”

Supporters have also complained at treatment at the hands of police and security at two other matches in Brisbane and Campbelltown over the weekend.

Football commentator Simon Hill told listeners on radio station SEN last night that “heavy-handed” treatment of fans often inflamed situations.

“Being a football fan in this country seems to be one long endurance test,” he said.