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Extra police to keep Sydney derby in check

NSW Police say dozens of additional police officers will keep an eye on fans at the highly-anticipated Sydney derby.

A bulked-up police presence will patrol Saturday night's Sydney derby to in a bid to halt any further fan trouble before it even happens.

NSW Police said dozens of additional officers, along with specialist police units, will be at Allianz Stadium for the highly-anticipated match, which is expected to draw a sell-out crowd of more than 40,000.

The heightened security marks Western Sydney's first away fixture since Football Federation Australia (FFA) sanctioned the club, after a minority of fans lit flares and detonators during the Wanderers' clash with Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago.

The Wanderers were issued with a $50,000 fine and a suspended three-point deduction.

Victory copped the same punishment this week for more fan misbehaviour, which included flare ignition and bottle throwing during last Saturday's Melbourne derby at AAMI Park.

While NSW Police did not expect any issues from the majority of punters, they vowed to "deal swiftly" with any anti-social or illegal behaviour.

"Inside and outside the stadium, there will be a highly visible police presence before, during and after the match," Surry Hills Local Area Commander, Superintendent Tony Crandell, said.

"These officers will be tasked with ensuring the safety and security of officials, players and spectators."

Police and security will search spectators' bags for prohibited items including flares, punishment for which includes a stadium ban, and can go as far as a $5,500 fine and up to two years in jail.

The stakes are just as high for the Wanderers, who will be immediately docked three points should their fans prove troublesome enough to provoke FFA into triggering the penalty.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



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