Saturday, 02 Jul 2011 11:35pm
Police have expressed disappointment at crowd behaviour following a number of incidents involving drunken spectators during a soccer match at ANZ Stadium tonight (Saturday 2 July).
More than 17,000 people attended the match between Celtic Football Club and Central Coast Mariners.
A high visibility policing operation, utilising general duties and specialist officers, was conducted to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. Additional police resources were called to the event to deal with poor crowd behaviour.
Operation Commander, Acting Superintendent Mick Rochester, said that while most fans were well-behaved, the night was marred by anti-social behaviour by a few.
“Nine men and two women were arrested after jumping the fence in an attempt to invade the pitch,” A/Supt Rochester said. “They each face hefty fines and being banned from attending future events at the stadium. The majority of fans were at the ground to see a game of football – not to have the match spoiled by idiots.”
In addition, 27 people were ejected from the stadium for being intoxicated, while 47 people were refused entry because of drunkenness. Five people were issued infringement notices for fail to quit with one of those subsequently arrested.
One man was charged with assaulting police while another man was charged with assault.
“It is disappointing that drunken louts are under the impression they can attend these events and spoil everyone else’s night,” A/Supt Rochester said. “The message is a simple one – anti-social and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If you can’t or won’t heed the message, don’t attend these events.
“A sporting event is not an excuse to break the law. If your team isn’t performing well, or you disagree with a decision by the referee, you can’t react by getting intoxicated, damaging property, assaulting others or making an idiot of yourself.
“Be warned – police and event security staff will continue to act swiftly at sporting and other events to ensure any opportunities to disrupt the enjoyment of others are minimised.
“Any offenders can expect to be arrested and face the consequences,” A/Supt Rochester said.
More than 17,000 people attended the match between Celtic Football Club and Central Coast Mariners.
A high visibility policing operation, utilising general duties and specialist officers, was conducted to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. Additional police resources were called to the event to deal with poor crowd behaviour.
Operation Commander, Acting Superintendent Mick Rochester, said that while most fans were well-behaved, the night was marred by anti-social behaviour by a few.
“Nine men and two women were arrested after jumping the fence in an attempt to invade the pitch,” A/Supt Rochester said. “They each face hefty fines and being banned from attending future events at the stadium. The majority of fans were at the ground to see a game of football – not to have the match spoiled by idiots.”
In addition, 27 people were ejected from the stadium for being intoxicated, while 47 people were refused entry because of drunkenness. Five people were issued infringement notices for fail to quit with one of those subsequently arrested.
One man was charged with assaulting police while another man was charged with assault.
“It is disappointing that drunken louts are under the impression they can attend these events and spoil everyone else’s night,” A/Supt Rochester said. “The message is a simple one – anti-social and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If you can’t or won’t heed the message, don’t attend these events.
“A sporting event is not an excuse to break the law. If your team isn’t performing well, or you disagree with a decision by the referee, you can’t react by getting intoxicated, damaging property, assaulting others or making an idiot of yourself.
“Be warned – police and event security staff will continue to act swiftly at sporting and other events to ensure any opportunities to disrupt the enjoyment of others are minimised.
“Any offenders can expect to be arrested and face the consequences,” A/Supt Rochester said.
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