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Leyonhjelm comments an affront: union

The war of words over policing A-League matches has escalated with the NSW police union calling for a senator's removal.

Senator David Leyonhjelm

Senator David Leyonhjelm (AAP) Source: AAP

The NSW police union says that comments made by Western Sydney Wanderers fans calling police bastards should not have been repeated by a senator.

Liberal Democratic Senator David Leyonhjelm, while addressing the media on Tuesday outside an inquiry, referred to a term used by the A-League club's fans: "All Cops Are Bastards".

"Now cops earn that, they have to unearn it," Senator Leyonhjelm said.

Police Association NSW president Scott Weber on Wednesday morning called for Senator Leyonhjelm's removal.

"The senator is completely out of step with community views and needs to be removed immediately," Mr Weber said.

An inquiry has been tasked with investigating a police crackdown on some Wanderers fans and exploring the potential for new policing methods at the A-League club's matches.

Mr Weber said actions by "fringe dweller" fans were dangerous and police were trying keep everyone safe.

"He wants police to fall back and allow thugs to ruin the beloved game for everyone in the state," Mr Weber said.

The senator's comments come a day after NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford voiced concerns the behaviour of a handful of spectators could incite a scale of disorder akin to the Cronulla riots.

Senator Leyonhjelm has responded on Twitter to comments from both 2GB radio host Ray Hadley and police.

"My advice to Ray Hadley and anyone concerned about being called a bastard, including coppers, is don't be a bastard," he tweeted.


2 min read

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Updated

Source: AAP



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