AFL preliminary final: Police targeting anti-social behaviour at Richmond Collingwood match

POLICE warn bad behaviour at the Tigers and Pies blockbuster at the MCG won’t be tolerated — with tens of thousands of fans expected at the ’G and the NRL preliminary final at neighbouring AAMI Park on Friday night.

POLICE have warned footy fans they will tackle anti-social behaviour on Friday night as Richmond and Collingwood face off in a preliminary final blockbuster.

Extra police resources will be assigned to the MCG precinct, with up to 100,000 supporters attending the game.

A sellout crowd is also expected over the road at AAMI Park as Melbourne Storm hosts a preliminary final against Cronulla Sharks.

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Police have warned footy fans they will tackle anti-social behaviour on Friday night as Richmond and Collingwood face off in a preliminary final blockbuster. Picture: Sarah Matray

Victoria Police said they would have zero tolerance for behaviour that compromised other people’s safety.

The warning comes after 30 people were evicted for anti-social and drunken incidents during last Saturday’s semi final between Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney.

Police described the crowd behaviour that night as “disappointing”.

North West Metro Region Commander Tim Hansen said: “the vast majority of people come to the footy with the right attitude — to support their team”.

“However, there are those who choose to pre-load and don’t drink responsibly and this causes issues. Anyone engaging in this behaviour can expect to face consequences,” he said.

Uniform and plain clothes police will be patrolling the precinct around the MCG, focusing on public order and liquor licensing.

“Expect to see a highly visible presence around and inside the ground, at public transport hubs, across the wider CBD and Richmond,” Cmdr Hansen said.

Brunton Avenue will be closed to all traffic from 3.20pm until 11.30pm on Friday to allow safe access to the ground and public transport.

Originally published as AFL preliminary final: Police targeting anti-social behaviour at Richmond Collingwood match