Fresh calls have emerged to scrap Socceroos World Cup screenings at Federation Square after chaotic scenes involving flares, crowd crushes and an alleged sexual assault marred Australia’s clash against the USA.
Victoria Police confirmed mounted officers were forced to intervene before kick-off on Saturday morning as fans attempted to push their way into the packed Melbourne live site.
Federation Square was at capacity well before the 5am start, with thousands of supporters braving wet conditions to watch Australia take on the host nation in a crucial World Cup fixture.
But much like the action on the field, the atmosphere at the fan site turned sour before the match had even begun.
Flares were once again lit at the packed venue as supporters surged towards entry points and climbed fences in an attempt to gain access after the site reached capacity.
Video footage showed stewards stamping out flares that had been left burning on the ground among the crowd.
Mounted police were forced to intervene as thousands of fans attempted to push into the packed Federation Square live site before kick-off
Approximately 7,500 people attended the Federation Square live site for Australia’s crucial World Cup showdown with the USA
Stewards rushed to stamp out flares that had been left burning on the ground inside the crowded Melbourne fan zone
Police have since revealed the scale of the disorder.
Approximately 7,500 people attended Federation Square, while another 8,900 gathered at AAMI Park for the match.
According to Victoria Police, 14 flares and one firework were set off at Federation Square before kick-off.
Two people were arrested and are expected to be charged on summons.
‘Police will review CCTV in an effort to determine those responsible for setting off the remaining flares,’ a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
‘Enforcing prohibited items, such as flares, from entering the live site remains the responsibility of the venue.’
Mounted Branch officers were deployed to assist with crowd control as spectators attempted to force their way into the venue.
While no injuries were reported among fans, a police officer suffered a minor foot injury after being crushed against a barrier during the crowd surge.
Police confirmed two people were arrested after flares were set off during the build-up to the World Cup fixture
A police officer suffered a minor foot injury after being crushed against a barrier during the crowd surge
Police also confirmed a 16-year-old boy from Melbourne’s Manningham area was arrested in relation to the alleged sexual assault of a woman at about 4.55am.
He is expected to be charged on summons.
One commenter on Facebook, Sean Brewer, wrote: ‘Last Fed Square event today.’
Another added: ‘Turn the TV off.’
The incidents are likely to intensify scrutiny over the decision to stage World Cup screenings at Federation Square after organisers initially ruled against hosting matches due to concerns about crowd behaviour at previous tournaments.
Before the World Cup began, Federation Square management decided not to show games at the venue, citing safety concerns.
Melbourne Arts Precinct chief executive Katrina Sedgwick said at the time that the decision was made because of ‘the behaviour of a small number of people at previous screenings which was simply unacceptable and damaging to Fed Square’.
The decision was later reversed following widespread criticism.
Former Socceroo Craig Foster was among those pushing for the screenings to go ahead.
‘The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and unites Australia’s multicultural communities, while reinforcing our national identity,’ Foster said.
‘Live sites create iconic moments for Australian sports fans. They bring all Australians together to celebrate and cheer our National Teams competing on the biggest stage.’
The atmosphere had been largely positive when the Socceroos defeated Turkey 2-0 earlier in the tournament, although flares were also lit during that celebration.
Saturday’s scenes proved far more concerning. Australia ultimately fell 2-0 to the USA in Seattle.
