In recent weeks, there have been several incidents where brawls have occurred at football matches -- especially at Etihad Stadium. As a result of the rising crowd violence, Victoria Police and Etihad Stadium security will increase.
The most recent of brawls to occur at Etihad Stadium was during the match between Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, last Friday night. The brawl, which was filmed on a mobile phone, involved two groups of men at the Medallion Club. Etihad Stadium issued a permanent lifetime ban to one of the men involved, which is the first ever lifetime ban to be issued from the stadium. The man has also had his AFL membership cancelled and will no longer be allowed to purchase an AFL or Football Club membership. Etihad Stadium CEO Michael Green described the incident last Friday as "abhorrent" when speaking to reporters on Monday, and stated that the incident was "fundamentally opposite" to what the stadium represents. "We are working closely with Victoria Police to identify those involved and we'll take decisive action against anyone breaching the stadium's conditions of entry," Mr. Green said. "I can advise today that one person involved from Friday night has been identified and we are currently in the process of communicating to that person that they will be permanently banned from attending events at the stadium in the future. "We will continue to review our security processes in liaison with Victoria Police. I would like to remind patrons that their safety is our number one priority and we will not accept any behaviour that puts that safety at risk." Victoria Police will boost its presence at Etihad Stadium this weekend to ensure that patrons are under control.
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The AFL has partnered with The Walt Disney Company Australia to rename Etihad Stadium as Marvel Stadium. The name change will take effect from September this year in a deal that stands for the next eight years.
The name change will also include a Marvel store and several entertainment areas. "Marvel is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and one of the most recognised brand names in the world. It is a brand dedicated to audience experiences, which firmly aligns with our vision to create incredible experiences for fans," Melbourne Stadiums Limited CEO Michael Green said. "This partnership will allow us to take the stadium atmosphere to the next level and create memorable experiences for a vast array of audiences and we look forward to delivering a truly game-changing experience." Etihad Stadium was first opened in 2000 as Colonial Stadium. In March of that year, the first AFL game was played between Essendon and Port Adelaide, where Essendon won by 94 points. In 2002, the stadium was renamed the Telstra Dome until 2009, when it was renamed Etihad Stadium. The announcement today follows the massive deal between the Victorian Government and the AFL that will see $225 million invested into renovating the stadium and the surrounding Docklands area. Two incidents have emerged from the round 9 clash between St Kilda and Collingwood, after rival fans were filmed violently brawling at Etihad Stadium.
The first incident allegedly occurred on level 1 of the stadium between rival fans, before the more violent incident occurred at the EJ Whitten Legends Bar. Channel Nine showed the footage which was posted on social media platform Snapchat, and was later shared on other social media platforms. Police are working with the AFL to investigate the incidents. It is believed the incident at the EJ Whitten Legends Bar was started over comments made about the 2010 Grand Final. A witness to the incident told Channel Nine that the brawl occurred during the first half, when St Kilda were playing well, and a Collingwood supporter said, "Pity you didn't do that in 2010". In the footage posted on social media, it shows at least half a dozen people throwing punches and glasses in the bar, which overlooks the ground from behind the goals on the Coventry end. Several people involved were told to leave the stadium. During this season alone, there have been several incidents of crowd violence. These include a scuffle on the Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon, and a brawl at the round 5 match between Port Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval. The investigation of the brawl is ongoing. Former Geelong premiership coach and Essendon great Mark "Bomber" Thompson has been arrested and charged in relation to seven drug offences.
The news comes after Thompson's home in Port Melbourne was raided back in January. The 54-year-old said that the police raid was in relation to a 28-year-old flatmate, Thomas Windsor, who had faced court in Geelong on Monday. Thompson has appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court this afternoon. The charges include two counts of trafficking ecstasy, one count of trafficking methamphetamine, one count of possession of both ecstasy and methamphetamine, and other counts which include possession of LSD and possession of a prescription drug without a prescription. Thompson has applied for bail, despite police arguing against due to the 54-year-old having a large sum of money which he may use to try and leave the country. The court has allowed bail due to Thompson's possible commitments with the AFL and media. Thompson was the captain of Essendon when the club won the premiership in 1993. The club will celebrate 25 years after the premiership with a team reunion on the 10th of May, where former teammates of Thompson hope to see him there. He also coached Geelong from 2000-2010, where the Cats won their first premiership in 43 years in 2007. The Cats then won another premiership in 2009 under Thompson. He then became senior assistant coach to James Hird. When Hird sat out the 2014 season due to the supplements saga, Thompson managed to take Essendon to the finals. More news to come. |
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