Police warning for A-League derby fans

Police have warned rogue football fans against misbehaving at Saturday's Sydney A-League derby, with increased security planned.

Fans at an A-League match

Police have warned rogue football fans against misbehaving at Saturday's Sydney A-League derby. (AAP)

A senior policeman has warned a "rogue element" to think twice about causing trouble at Saturday's Sydney A-League derby match.

Police numbers and security measures have been stepped up for the match at Parramatta Stadium.

It's the Wanderers' first match since they and Melbourne Victory copped sanctions - the loss of three competition points in the event of further serious trouble - following violent clashes between supporters before their December 28 clash at Melbourne's AAMI Park.

Those two clubs meet again at AAMI Park next Tuesday, but before that, Wanderers have the potentially highly-charged Sydney derby.

Police say they will have a strong presence both inside and around the venue while the Police Transport Command will patrol trains and buses to and from the area.

Added security guards will assist police to target any trouble makers and all bags will be screened before being taken into Parramatta Stadium.

"Anyone who breaks the law or the FFA Spectator Code of Conduct will face the consequences, including criminal charges, fines, ejection from the ground and or banning notices," said Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford.

"The rogue element that has caused trouble in the past should think twice before misbehaving Saturday night.

"My aim is to deter that type of behaviour.

"However, they should be in no doubt that if they play up I will have sufficient police resources on hand to respond quickly and effectively.

"I recommend that fans get to the ground early to allow enough time for security screening."

Both team coaches were optimistic there would be no crowd trouble.

"We expect a passionate crowd, as it should be in a derby, but we don't envisage any problems," Wanderers coach Tony Popovic said.

Sydney FC counterpart Frank Farina was also hopeful, while pointing out there had been issues in at least one previous game between the local rivals.

"There were some problems out there last year but that was a small element and you can't tarnish everyone with the same brush," Farina said.

"The crowds have been fantastic, particularly in these derbies."


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world