Soccer fans slam police after fans ejected, banned at Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers derby

Football fans have lashed out at police after more than half a dozen fans were banned following a fight which broke out at the Sydney Derby between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.

A football supporters group has lashed out at police and Commbank Stadium after more than half a dozen fans were banned when a fight broke out during an A-League football match on Saturday.

At least 14 members of the crowd – some believed to be of the official Western Sydney Wanderers supporters group – Red and Black Bloc (RBB), were kicked out of the Parramatta venue on Saturday night during the men’s Sydney derby match between the Wanderers and Sydney FC.

NSW Police later confirmed up to nine spectators had been banned from Commbank Stadium after a march involving flares, a fight in the concourse area of the stadium and a mass walkout after one man was ejected and banned.

But the RBB hit back at police in a statement on Sunday evening, claiming police had “wrongfully evicted and harassed” supporters and the group had chosen to walk out “in solidarity”.

“The decision to leave was a stand, and based on a culmination of numerous events over the past few months... this was the tipping point,” the statement read.

Max Burgess of Sydney FC wins the ball during the A-League Men round 19 match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC at CommBank Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Sydney FC celebrates after scoring a goal during. Picture: Getty Images

The group’s statement claimed it had met with officials repeatedly to ensure the group’s match day plans, banner, confetti and streamer approvals were “all in place” and approved by police, the club and the venue, but that things changed at the start of 2024.

“Having reached a mutual working arrangement with the club and venue in recent history, it appears the status quo began to change... this change brought about unnecessary police intervention,” the RBB statement read.

“Concerns have been repeatedly expressed regarding policing measures and behaviours, including baiting, intimidation, threats of bans and evictions of swearing in chants, evictions for standing in the incorrect bay in the active end and having feet up on the railings.”

All of the above concerns have fallen on deaf ears,“ the statement read.

“We will forever support the team, but we will also always support our members, and will take whatever action necessary to do so.”

Commbank Stadium, which is managed by Venues NSW, has been contacted for comment.

Footage from inside the stadium on Saturday night shared to social media, shows a group of fans gathering outside the venue while the game was in play.

“RBB got kicked out,” a man can be heard saying in the video.

NSW Police confirmed on Sunday two fans were banned from the venue upon entry, a fight broke out at the stadium for which a man was ejected and banned and over a dozen other people were kicked out during the game.

“Spectators gathered at Prince Alfred Park and marched down Victoria Rd to the stadium. During which a number of flares were ignited,” a police statement said.

“As a result, two people were refused entry and will be dealt with accordingly, “ a police statement read.

“About 8pm, police were called to assist security after a fight broke out on the concourse area. Officers dispersed the group with no injuries being 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.

“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.”

Sydney FC supporters cheer during the A-League Men round 19 match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC at CommBank Stadium. It is not suggested any of the fans pictured were involved in any wrongdoing. Picture: Getty Images

NSW Police are conducting further inquiries into the possession of flares during the match, with “further action expected”.

An APL spokesman said the sporting body was also investigating the incident.

“We are aware of an incident that occurred inside the stadium during the first half,” the spokesman said.

“We are working with all parties to investigate the matter as part of prescribed protocols.”

It is understood Red and Black Bloc will be issuing a statement relating to the match, later on Sunday.

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