Sydney A-League derby: Three people charged after violent night at Sydney FC Wanderers clash

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This was published 8 years ago

Sydney A-League derby: Three people charged after violent night at Sydney FC Wanderers clash

By Tom Decent
Updated

Police have described fan violence at a chaotic A-League derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers as "unacceptable" on a night when flares, hammers and large bolts intended to be used as missiles were confiscated by authorities.

A total of three people were charged and two issued banning notices, while 18 supporters were ejected from Allianz Stadium during Sydney FC's 1-0 victory over their arch rivals Western Sydney.

Wanderers fans during the round three A-League clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.

Wanderers fans during the round three A-League clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.Credit: Cameron Spencer

Fights, pitch invasions and a bottle-throwing incident marred the game and according to police were carried out by "not your ordinary sporting spectators".

Before the 7.30pm kick-off, police were forced to use capsicum spray and physically restrain a number of Wanderers fans who joined a group of 50 to 60 people and ran towards Sydney FC supporters in the hope of starting a fight.

After the physical altercation was broken up, police located a number of a bolts - suspected to have been used as missiles – as well as flares and a hammer.

There has been animosity between the two clubs, but Saturday's derby went a step further with 12 flares being ignited before the game, while another nine were let off inside the stadium.

Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Tony Crandell, said the incidents on Saturday night were unacceptable and were a poor reflection on the game.

"The behaviour of some of the supporters last night, in particular from the Western Sydney Wanderers supporters section prevented those who want to watch the match from enjoying themselves," Commissioner Crandell said. "Last night the safety of the public, staff, and police were put at risk by people who have no respect for the sport.

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"The people involved in the incidents are not your ordinary sporting spectators. It is evident that some supporters came prepared to cause injury and ruin the night for others.

"The aspect of enhancing atmosphere unfortunately comes at the expense of public safety and common decency, which is clearly not acceptable."

It is not clear whether the theft of a Sydney FC fan banner exacerbated tensions between the two teams' supporters, but the overall behaviour of the crowd was unusually rowdy and violent.

Two people were evicted for offensive behaviour, a man was arrested for throwing a missile after allegedly throwing a bottle from a Sydney FC supporters section, while eight others were told to leave the stadium after being deemed too intoxicated.

Meanwhile, there was a fight between two people in a Wanderers' section and an alleged assault from a Sydney FC fan. Police were also called to break up another fight on Foveaux Street as people made their way into the city after the match.

Police also estimate 50 chairs and a number of steel railings were broken by fans from both teams at opposite ends of the stadium.

CCTV footage is being reviewed and investigations will continue into the incidents during the match.

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