Feral fans warned as Socceroos open Asian Cup
KNOWN troublemakers will be banned from Friday night’s historic Asian Cup opener in Melbourne as thousands embrace the biggest soccer tournament ever staged in Australia.
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KNOWN troublemakers will be banned from Friday night’s historic Asian Cup opener in Melbourne as thousands embrace the biggest soccer tournament ever staged in Australia.
Up to 30,000 people will pack Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 16-nation tournament, which Tourism Australia predicts will add $23 million to the national economy in the next 23 days.
Police and ground security will keep an eye out for feral fans banned from A-League matches and refuse them entry to the Socceroos’ opening game against Kuwait.
Spectators will be banned from wearing or taking into the ground bandannas, balaclavas, masks or similar items unless they are for religious or medical purposes.
Police fear rogue supporters could use them to hide their faces and throw flares.
Superintendent Peter O’Neill said there would be a strong police presence at all seven Asian Cup matches in Melbourne this month.
“Patrons are warned that police are taking the issue of flares very seriously and this behaviour will not be tolerated,’’ he said.
“Letting off flares is illegal and highly dangerous, with the potential to cause serious injury.”
Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop said the tournament would do wonders for growth of the game and it was a coup to be able to stage it in “our own backyard’’.
He encouraged all to get behind the national team.
“Having a huge crowd that is loud and supportive of them will be an important factor. We want not just soccer fans but sports fans to show support.’’
Melbourne-born DJ Havana Brown and Brisbane band Sheppard headline an opening ceremony featuring dancers, football tricksters, indigenous performers and hip hop artists.
Anyone found in possession of a flare will be served with a summons to appear in court and, under the Major Sporting Events Act, could be banned from attending soccer matches for up to five years.
Fox Sports will broadcast all 32 matches of the Asian Cup live in HD.
Twitter: @rolfep
Originally published as Feral fans warned as Socceroos open Asian Cup
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