Sydney FC protest over eviction of fans from GMHBA Stadium in Geelong by ‘overzealous’ security
Sydney FC have called on A-League bosses to investigate the eviction and “mistreatment” of four supporters by “over-zealous security” during their match against Western United.
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SYDNEY FC have called on A-League bosses to investigate the eviction of four supporters from Western United’s home ground by “over-zealous security” during Sunday’s 2-0 win.
Four members of the Sky Blues’ active supporter group, The Cove, were kicked out of GMHBA Stadium without warning for standing during the game, according to club officials on the scene, with security staff on the ground ignoring the Cove’s appointed supporter marshals who are supposed to act as liaison officers.
The fans were part of a 200-strong contingent of Sydney supporters who had travelled for an annual away day, dubbed National Service, and had bought tickets for the active away fans area of the ground.
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However the group was told to move to a different part of the stadium twice, and was finally put in an area directly below the control room for the stadium’s security staff.
According to club officials who were with the fans, security staff removed four fans without notice despite the officials and the marshals seeking to broker an agreement.
The rest of the Sydney supporters were then guarded by what witnesses described as a “significant number” of security staff for the rest of the game, and the club voiced its protest over what it termed their fans’ “mistreatment”.
“Over 200 dedicated supporters travelled to Geelong to support our club at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon,” said a club spokesperson.
“Having investigated the situation and spoken to Sydney FC representatives on the ground, we have been informed of a number of avoidable evictions of our fans by over-zealous security who by-passed advice from our Sydney FC supporter marshalls.
“Nobody condones anti-social behaviour however we strongly believe the situation could have been handled in a better way.
“To see our fans mistreated is disappointing and we are working with the Hyundai A-League to investigate. We have also spoken to Western United and to the stadium to ask them to review their procedures with regard to supporter treatment.”
In a statement, Gerard Griffin, CEO of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, said security staff had worked with Sydney FC officials during the game.
“The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, confirm there were a number of evictions for anti-social behaviour at yesterday’s A-League match at GMHBA Stadium,” he said.
“Stadium management worked with Sydney FC representatives, Victoria Police and MA Security throughout this process.
“The priority of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans and anti-social behaviour at any event held at the stadium will not be tolerated.”
However the Daily Telegraph has been told that fans from other clubs have had similar issues at the ground, including Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 5.
A-League officials were approached for comment.