A thoroughly entertaining weekend of A-League semi-finals was marred by an ugly incident which saw a fan and his children evicted from Sydney FC’s match against Melbourne Victory.
Roar football Expert Mike Tuckerman, who wrote a column on Monday condemning the standard of policing at A-League matches, joined us on the Game of Codes podcast to discuss how it compares to his experience as a patron at other sporting events.
Listen to the debate:
Footage from Sunday’s A-League semi-final shows a group of police officers and security guards arguing with Sydney FC supporter Rory Carroll before asking him to leave. Carroll alleges he attempted to check the nearest toilet to see if it was suitable for his disabled daughter but was denied entry by security before being confronted by police after returning to his seat.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton challenged Carroll’s version of events, claiming he was without his daughter when he attempted to access a restricted area of the stadium with “a greater variety of beer”. When asked if he was suggesting that was the reason Carroll attempted to enter the area, Walton said, “that’s something for [Carroll] to determine”. Carroll has denied this version of events, claiming he was not drinking alcohol at the match.
Football Federation Australia is investigating the incident and is speaking to the parties involved, while board member Remo Nogarotto took to Twitter after seeing footage of the incident circulate online.
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“My position on the deliberate profiling of football fans is on the public record but this goes well beyond the pale,” Nogarotto wrote.
“Our game needs to escalate this politically and demand policing in line with other sports.”
2GB is reporting Carroll had previously served a 12-month ban from ANZ Stadium after being ejected in 2017.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
max power
Guest
i hope you feel deservedly safe at your choice of venue
chris
Guest
What games are you referring to Simoc?
Simoc
Guest
So how many games do you go to Chris. None I bet. Why comment when you know absolutely nothing and sound like an imbecile.
chris
Guest
And apparently there are 100,000 of them so that makes it ok and thoroughly understandable.
Fadida
Roar Rookie
That's not crowd violence. It's good old Aussies, red blooded (necked?) having a few coldies and challenging each other to feats of strength and masculinity. Probably even ripped their sleeves off before they began. Not an effnik in sight
josh
Guest
Jordan, there's been plenty of opportunity for the football community to unite. WSW fans have been complaining since our season 1, with overzealous policing, with Hatamoto - it's only Victory fans who have been singing the same song, they were singing it before we even existed. But no it was always easier to point the finger at us and scream hooligan.
chris
Guest
But not doing such a great job at the "once a week AFL crowd violence" show.
anon
Roar Pro
They certainly do. Put their bodies on the line for us.
marron
Guest
So violence is okay between Collingwood and Carlton because the teams have existed for a long time. Interesting take. I'm also interested to know what size crowd is the minimum for violence to be okay.
Mitcher
Guest
How many of these multiple games featuring ugly violent brawls had 100,000 people at them? If you’re so confident in your argument, why the lies?
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
That's because our police to a great job.
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
Strange to hear different FFA board members being so vocal but with such contradictory views. It's a refreshing change from the closed shop of the Lowy years, but what are we meant to make of it when Nogarotto comes out swinging for football and Carrozzi does a Trump on Charlottesville and wheels out the "on both sides" line? Meanwhile Nikou the chair hasn't said a word, as far as I can tell?
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Josh, its about uniting as a football community. If Sydney rip up seats again, i'm sure we'll tell them off a bit more.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
very rare occurrence you've gone back to 2013
chris
Guest
Josh - let it go. You really are getting monotonous with your East Sydney thing.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
#WatchingFootballisnotacrime
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Hasn't been a single brawl all season.
sam
Guest
@ the Greek Goddess https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/football/a-league/soccer-fans-riot-outside-melbourne-pub-ahead-of-aleague-clash-between-melbourne-victory-and-western-sydney-wanderers/news-story/25d5c44b02c155c86c445c43946288b8 Of course ....the MV violence is just a picnic.....of about 50 people!
Kaks
Roar Guru
An independent League wont change anything. It will be independent in name only, it will be run by the same type of people and in conjunction with the FFA.
Kaks
Roar Guru
As stated by Rory himself, if he was in fact seen drinking and then allowed to drive his daughters home without Police giving him a breathalyzer test, then that is gross incompetence by them. Could've tested him at the McDonald's they followed him too as well. Considering what we have all witnessed at league games ourselves, I have a feeling that Rory is saying the truth.