Heavy handed tactics from AFL security leading to more ejections

The AFL is facing major backlash just days after denying they had implemented any form of “crackdown” on fan behaviour at games.

Behavioural awareness officers patrol the AFL

The AFL’s ongoing issue surrounding a crackdown on fans refuses to die down and is leaving many asking serious questions of the league and Gillon McLachlan

A statement last week from the league’s head office refuted any such crackdown was in place, but all evidence continues to point in the other direction.

The furore erupted earlier this month when a Carlton fan was escorted out of an AFL game for claiming to call an umpire a “bald-headed flog”.

Since then footy commentators have criticised the AFL for its mixed messages about fan behaviour.

It has sparked an angry backlash from fans — highlighted by Collingwood cheer squad leader Jeff “Joffa” Corfe’s announcement that he will be boycotting games until McLachlan issues fans an apology for how they have been treated this season.

McLachlan responded by announcing his interest in meeting up with the Magpies character, but is refusing to apologise.

Nothing to see here.

He said this week the league has never attempted to clampdown on fan behaviour.

“There’s been no commentary, crackdown or change in policy about what’s acceptable fan behaviour at games,” McLachlan said.

“It’s the same it’s been for 100 years or 100-plus years. Come, be your outlet — but do it in a way that respects the people around you.

“It’s self-policing. The fans ultimately decide what that looks like, not me or you, it’s the people around you.

“People who have called the police and called because the supporters around them are calling someone down there. That’s how it’s happening.”

But during Friday night’s contest between Essendon and Hawthorn, it reared its ugly head once again.

Channel 7 reporter Tom Brown described the AFL’s response to fan behaviour as “the major issue of the week” on Friday night after Seven Cameras captured the moment a Hawthorn fan was discreetly told to calm down by a security guard.

Edwards said the constant security presence was much more obtrusive in her seats.

I was on level 3 and it was very awkward. Security was staring down anyone who became animated and several fans were warned for just barracking. It was like we were being spied on. https://t.co/sjjHoYMeoG

— Nat Edwards (@Nat_Edwards) June 14, 2019

A photo however on social media showed two men patrolling around the stadium wearing jackets which read “behavioural awareness officer”.

If the AFL, as they say, aren’t behind the crackdown on behaviour at games, they need to be asking why stadium security and police are taking the issue on under their own power.

Gil says nothing's changed. Righto. What in the blue hell is a Behavioural Awareness Officer? What's more likely - that they're new on the scene, or that I haven't seen even one B.A.O. ever in all my years going to the footy?

(Photo credit: HFC - Better Than Banter, Facebook) pic.twitter.com/ZkLos6umCp

— Hawk Talk Podcast (@HawkTalkPod) June 15, 2019

My Twitter opening instruction asks, ‘What’s Happening’ ...... should’ve added .... ‘to our game?’. 40 years in the game and played, coached and spectated at some inhospitable ( wonderful) rival grounds. This is a first for me.
Have we really got to this? So sad if we have. pic.twitter.com/jNivgnFRQK

— Robert Shaw (@shawry_analyst) June 15, 2019

On Saturday it again became an ugly issue with Channel 7 commentators slamming the security guards who were patrolling bays like prison guards.

“I just — the way they’ve been pacing up and down the aisles, I’m not sure it’s necessary.

I don’t know what is being said. I don’t know what actions are being taken. But they don’t need to be walking up and down corridors eyeing people off,” Luke Darcy said.

“Fair dinkum, do we need to be walking up and down just — let the people sit there and watch the footy,” Matthew Richardson added.

Security guards on high alert during #AFLBluesDogs pic.twitter.com/D9MUil2qkJ

— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 15, 2019

"Just let the people sit there and watch the footy."

- @mattricho0 pic.twitter.com/UWByL2L4eR

— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 15, 2019

One Carlton fan even went to the drastic measure of placing a piece of tape over her mouth to ensure she wouldn’t be approached by security for being too loud.

Cartlon fan covers mouth with tape

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, the league said the ejected Carlton supporter had received a warning over the incident but no further action would be taken.

Fan behaviour at games has been in the spotlight recently after what appears to have been heavy-handed responses to incidents that barely would have rated a mention in the past.

A Richmond supporter was slapped with a three-game ban by the club after he allegedly called an umpire a ‘green maggot’.

A Collingwood fan was spoken to by Victoria Police at the MCG on Monday for barracking too loudly, leading the AFL Fans Association to write to the league seeking clarification about what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour by supporters.

AFL’S FULL FAN BEHAVIOUR STATEMENT

“The AFL has today concluded its investigation into an incident involving an umpire and a patron at the round 12 match between Carlton and the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on Saturday,” the statement read.

“Marvel Stadium security were alerted to a patron who was leaning over the umpire’s race and abusing umpire Mathew Nicholls as he was leaving the ground at halftime.

“The patron was spoken to by both Marvel Stadium security and Victoria Police and subsequently removed from the venue for the remainder of the game.

“The patron has received a warning and no further action will be taken.

“The AFL and our venues want to create a safe and fun environment for all fans to come to and enjoy the football.

“For over 100 years, the footy has been a place to come together, barrack, cheer and share in the experience in whichever way you choose.

“There has been no directive from the AFL to change this.

Gil continues to deny.

“The theatre of match day is one of the great sporting experiences, a place to be expressive and passionate about your team and the game, it always has been, it always will be.

“In season 2019 there has been no change to the expectations of the behaviour of everyone at games.

“We want fans to enjoy attending matches and allow other fans around them to do the same.

“While barracking and supporting is both strongly encouraged and a vital part of the game, offensive or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Fans who consume alcohol on a match day are to do so responsibly.

“The AFL’s zero tolerance stance on vilification remains.

“Stadiums and police across the country have a zero-tolerance for members or supporters that abuse the opposition, umpires and other members and supporters, on grounds of race, religion, gender, disability and sexuality.

“Fans who breach the conditions of entry may face consequences.

“Anyone involved in football at any level, from the community to the elite should be able to enjoy the game in a safe and inclusive environment.

“The AFL’s message to everyone is clear — come to the footy, barrack as loud as you can, enjoy the game and do so in a responsible manner.”