Police to flood footy after AFL violence
A MAN involved in a bloody brawl at Etihad Stadium has been hit with a life ban from the venue, as police vow to flood AFL games this weekend to curb drunken violence.
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A MAN involved in a bloody brawl at Etihad Stadium has been hit with a life ban from the venue, as police vow to flood AFL games this weekend to curb drunken violence.
The man, the first ever banned from Etihad after violence marred Friday’s Collingwood-Western Bulldogs game, has also been stripped of his AFL membership.
He will be unable to apply for AFL or any club membership indefinitely.
It comes as the Herald Sun can reveal that footy fans at two key Melbourne stadiums are spoiled for choice when looking for a drink.
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Supporters at the MCG have 42 bars to choose from around the stadium, although not all bars are open for all games.
That does not include function rooms, where booze flows freely at corporate events.
Fans at Etihad also have dozens of options when it comes to grabbing an alcoholic drink.
Michael Green, chief executive at Etihad, and Acting Commander David Clayton from Victoria Police, today addressed community concerns about recent violence at AFL games.
Three people were injured in Friday’s brawl at Etihad’s Medallion Club while the weekend before saw 10 Collingwood and St Kilda fans involved in a fist fight at the same stadium.
On Saturday a fan was hit in the face with a glass at the Geelong-Carlton game at GMHBA Stadium.
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“The incident that occurred in the Medallion Club last Friday night was abhorrent,” Mr Green said.
“We are working closely with Victoria Police to identify those involved.
“We will take decisive action against anyone found breaching the stadium’s conditions of entry.
“I can advise one person involved has been identified and we are currently in the process of communicating to that person that they will be permanently banned from attending events at the stadium in the future.”
A review of security processes at the stadium is underway with Victoria Police.
Acting Commander Clayton said the vast majority of AFL fans acted safe and responsibly.
He said there had not been an increase in violence occurring at AFL games this season but recent incidents just happened to have been caught on camera.
Victoria Police declined to comment on how many violent incidents have occurred at games this season.
“Unfortunately there are a few who choose to do the wrong thing,” Acting Commander Clayton said.
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“Victoria Police treats poor behaviour at sports matches very seriously.
“For the coming weekend the public can expect to see more police at sporting matches in the public areas, corporate areas and membership areas.
“Anybody found to be drunk, assaulting anybody or engaging in an affray will be arrested, will appear at court and they can then explain their behaviour to the magistrate, the community and their family.”
AFL general manager clubs Travis Auld said “strong consequences” must apply for violent incidents.
“The footy is a place for friends, families and people coming together to enjoy the game,” he said.
“Anti-social behaviour, and in this particular instance by a small number of people, will not be tolerated by any of our venues, our clubs, or the league.
“Our clubs work extremely hard to provide various options in venue for fans to watch the game in a safe and social environment.”
Anybody convicted of a criminal offence relating to violence at an AFL game could also be subject to an order banning them from entering any licenced premises for two years.