Wests Tigers respond to reports of vile fan behaviour at Leichhardt Oval

The Wests Tigers have said they are “appalled” by reports of anti-social fan behaviour at the historic Leichhardt Oval when the underdogs resoundingly trounced the Sharks on Saturday night.

Fans at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night. No-one depicted is accused of any wrongdoing. Photo: Tom Parrish

The Wests Tigers have denounced reports of anti-social behaviour among its spectators at Leichhardt Oval as the home team resoundingly triumphed over the Sharks on Saturday.

The Daily Telegraph and Inner West Courier reported to the club that fans wearing its colours were heard making homophobic, racist and misogynist comments throughout the round three match-up on Saturday night.

Fans in Tigers jerseys on the hill at Leichhardt were heard to be yelling “pussy” and “gay c--ts” at players, and shouting Fijian slang at Sharks players of Pacific Islander appearance.

Men in the same group were also heard to sing made-up lyrics to the Sharks team song Up Up Cronulla referring to sexually assaulting women, and almost knocking an elderly man to the ground while pushing and shoving.

Spectators from both the Sharks and Tigers were also subjected to a particularly grim display in which a Tigers fan put his hand inside his underwear and wiped it across the mouth of a another man wearing a Sharks jersey.

“We are appalled by this behaviour,” a Wests Tigers spokesman said.

“As we do after all games, we will liaise with the security firm, which is used on match days at Leichhardt Oval, and review any reported incidents from Saturday night.”

Thousands of football fans flock to Leichhardt Oval to watch the West Tigers play to Cronulla Sharks. No-one depicted is accused of any wrongdoing. Photo: Tom Parrish

The spokesman acknowledged “myriad problems” with squeezing a capacity crowd into an archaic stadium.

The Tigers’ beloved historic home-ground has long been overlooked for funding, with facilities in severe disrepair – much to the dismay of many sporting clubs and codes who use the suburban ground known fondly as the eighth wonder of the world.

“Adequate policing of the Hill is one of many challenges at this venue in its current state,” the spokesman said.

“The level of police and security at games is determined by the projected crowd – the police presence was at the maximum number for Saturday’s attendance figure.

“Security can be increased, and it would appear that this something we need to do for future games.”

Thousands of football fans flock to Leichhardt Oval to watch the West Tigers play to Cronulla Sharks. No-one depicted is accused of any wrongdoing. Photo: Tom Parrish

The spokesman said responsible service of alcohol was ultimately a matter for the ground’s contracted food and drink providers – but promised to communicate concerns to Inner West Council.

The club is also planning to conduct a review of their stadium policy, with the spokesman saying any ground that hosts Wests Tigers games must be fit for purpose.

“Leichhardt Oval, for all its mystique and heritage, does not provide what Wests Tigers fans and rugby league fans deserve,” the spokesman said.

“Again, what (has been) described is abhorrent and should never happen.

“As we do after all games we review the security report, and it does indeed sound like better controls need to be put in place going forward for future games.”