Fans in Federation Square react after Australia captain Sam Kerr scores a goal in the semifinal against England. Photo: Getty Images / Darrian Traynor
Melbourne's Federation Square has been axed as a live site for the remainder of the Women's World Cup after dozens of flares were let off among a crowd at maximum capacity during Wednesday night's semifinal.
A spokesperson for Federation Square said a repeat of Wednesday night would be unsafe.
"During the Women's World Cup, Federation Square has hosted 140,000 people and there have been many memorable scenes, with thousands throwing their support behind the Matildas," the spokesperson said.
"However, as a result of disappointing behaviour by a small group of people, Federation Square management has made the decision that there will no longer be a live site at Federation Square, due to safety concerns."
The spokesperson said a repeat of the behaviour would be unsafe for families, fans and staff.
Katrina Sedgwick, chief executive of the Melbourne Arts Centre Precinct which operates Federation Square, said future live sport screenings would only take place with better security.
"We will be planning and working with … all of our partners to make sure that in the future we can do it, but it's going to involve having to put up large permanent fencing and to really kind of control it much more and we're just going to work through those plans," she said on Friday.
The decision follows discussions on Thursday morning between event organisers and in consultation with Victoria police.
Young men were seen being escorted from the site on Wednesday as young families made a swift exit before the end of the match.
Victoria police said more than 50 flares were discharged and some of them were thrown.
There were no reports of injuries.
Four men aged from 16 to 23 were issued $A962 ($NZ1040) fines for possessing flares, and a 16-year-old male was cautioned for throwing a flare.
Scenes at Federation Square after Sam Kerr’s goal. pic.twitter.com/PcmB8ppE5Y
— Natalie Whiting (@Nat_Whiting) August 16, 2023
An investigation is ongoing and police have not ruled out laying more charges against people who may be identified in CCTV.
Acting chief commissioner of Victoria police Wendy Steendam said flares posed a risk to personal safety and the potential for fires.
Barriers were also broken down after security guards advised attendees that the site had reached maximum capacity an hour prior to kick-off.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the behaviour was inappropriate and disappointing.
"I don't reckon any member of the Matildas squad would want people behaving that way. I certainly don't," he said.
"Like it wasn't the night people wanted, but there's no excuse."
The Melbourne live site will now be at AAMI Park and those arrangements remain unaffected.
-ABC
This story was first published by the ABC.
