Police have been forced to intervene as things turned ugly at the Federation Square screening of Australia’s clash with the USA.
Fed Square was at capacity just before kick-off at 5am, as fans gathered with baited breath as Australia aimed to secure passage to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup.
But much like the action on field, scenes at the fan watchalong have turned sour before half-time.
Flares have once again been lit at the packed fan park as fears for the safety of those in attendance have once again been expressed.
Along with the flares, fans also jumped the fence in an attempt to get in on the action with the action at capacity.
Video footage shows stewards being forced to stamp out a flare that had just been left on the floor to burn.
One commenter on Facebook, Sean Brewer, wrote, ‘Last Fed Square event today.’
While another added, ‘Turn the TV Off.’
The concerning scenes will add further fire to the flames of those that had opposed to the use of Fed Square for match screenings ahead of the World Cup.
In fact, prior to the start of the World Cup venue management had decided to not show any games at the famous fan site due to concerns over health and safety at prior tournaments.
Melbourne Arts Precinct chief executive Katrina Sedgwick said at the time they had made the decision because of the ‘behaviour of a small number of people at previous screenings which was simply unacceptable and damaging to Fed Square.’
They then overturned their decision after they came under intense scrutiny from all angles.
That included former Socceroo Craig Foster who said, ‘The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and unites Australia’s multicultural communities, while reinforcing our national identity.
‘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.
And it seemed to be the right one as fans were in a joyous mood when the Socceroos beat Turkiye 2-0.
Even then there were flares lit around the fan park but fans seemed to be much more in tune with each other and the rules.
Their performance then was a far cry from the performance that they put forward in the first-half against America.
