The Victorian government has overturned a decision to ban screenings of this year’s FIFA World Cup matches at Federation Square.
In a move that dismayed football fans and Football Australia, the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation on Tuesday announced that screenings would not take place at Federation Square due to “antisocial” and “dangerous” behaviour by attendees at previous events.
The lighting and throwing of flares causing injury to attendees was a particular concern for the corporation, which said it counted more than 100 flares left at Federation Square after the last Socceroos match it screened.
“The challenge is when you have a crowded square with lots and lots of people and people are smuggling in flares … it’s difficult to control them,” said the corporation’s chief executive, Katrina Sedgwick.
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But on Wednesday morning Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she disagreed with that decision.
“There’s always a risk of bad behaviour from a few dickheads at every public gathering, but police and security will be on site,”
she said.
“There’ll be zero tolerance for it.”
Ms Allan said the government would “ensure Fed Square has the support it needs to put on the matches this year”.
“The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart,” she said.
Football Australia deputy chief executive Heather Garriock said the government stepping in to reverse the initial decision was “sensible” and a win for fans.
“It was a decision that we were shocked [by] … given there’s been some momentous occasions at Fed Square, particularly the recent women’s World Cup. It was incredible,” she said.
“We are delighted for the fans to be able to turn up to the iconic Fed Square as we have done in past tournaments and be able to celebrate our Socceroos at the biggest tournament in the world.”
The Socceroos will head to the World Cup in North America next month. (AAP: Richard Wainwright)
Football Supporters Association Australia chair Patrick Clancy also praised the decision.
“We welcome any engagement with the government and Fed Square management on how to ensure the venue is safe for fans and ultimately provides a place to develop winning World Cup memories that last a lifetime,” he said.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, which manages and operates Federation Square, is owned by the Victorian government.
Ms Sedgwick, the director, said she welcomed the premier’s decision and that the corporation would work closely with the government, City of Melbourne and Victoria Police to “create a safe and secure environment”.
“We look forward to seeing the Socceroos back on the world stage, and on the big screen next month,”
she said.
Federation Square was forced to cancel a concert in December due to overcrowding and rowdy behaviour. (ABC News: Peter Healy)
Victoria’s Shadow Sport Minister Brad Battin on Tuesday condemned the decision not to allow screenings as “un-Australian”.
Safety concerns during events at Federation Square have not been limited to World Cup screenings.
Last year, a planned free concert by band Amyl and the Sniffers was cancelled at the last minute after overeager punters started breaking through fences set up to prevent crowd crushes.
Ms Allan said the government was “looking at additional events and live sites” for free public events in the city.
