Coronavirus Gold Coast: AFL fans ejected from Metricon Stadium for refusing to social distance at Suns v Bulldogs clash

A pair of footy fans who allegedly refused to social distance before abusing stadium staff at a Gold Coast AFL game will now have to explain to a magistrate why they purposely disobeyed public health orders.

TWO footy fans who allegedly refused to social distance before abusing stadium staff while attending a Gold Coast AFL game will now have to explain to a magistrate why they purposely disobeyed public health orders.

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The pair were sat in a “biosecurity restricted area” of the stadium near the tunnel used by Suns and Western Bulldogs players to enter and exit the field. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

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Police were first called to the Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs clash at Metricon Stadium at about 4.20pm on Saturday amid reports a 22-year-old man and woman, 60, had become unruly and abusive toward stadium staff when asked to move seats.

A Gold Coast Suns spokesman confirmed the incident, saying the pair were asked to move after it was discovered their allocated seats fell within a “biosecurity restricted area” – near the tunnel used by players to enter and exit the field.

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Two footy fans were thrown out of Metricon Stadium for refusing to comply with police orders. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“After refusing to co-operate with stadium staff, the guests became abusive toward security and Queensland Police officers,” the spokesman said.

Officers subsequently removed the spectators from their seats before ejecting them from the venue a short time later.

Queensland Police alleged the pair were asked to move seats about three times – first from stadium staff, security guards, then police which eventually lead to their arrest.

“They were each issued with a notice to appear (NTA) for failure to comply with a police direction and obstruct police,” Queensland Police spokeswoman revealed.

They are due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on August 9.

Other patrons are warned to avoid similar actions, or risk facing the significant punishment:

“Metricon Stadium takes its obligations to maintain spectator and athlete safety extremely seriously. This commitment has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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Originally published as Coronavirus Gold Coast: AFL fans ejected from Metricon Stadium for refusing to social distance at Suns v Bulldogs clash