Fans invade pitch and remove turf after last game at Domain Stadium

The West Australian Football Commission says it is disappointed by the crowd's behaviour following the final sporting fixture at Perth’s Domain Stadium on Saturday night, when fans ran onto the ground and ripped up pieces of turf as souvenirs.

The match, an International Rules fixture between Australia and Ireland, was attended by more than 30,000 people, who were allowed onto the ground after the final siren.

However, WA Football Commission Chief Executive Gavin Taylor advised “in what was otherwise a well-behaved crowd, we were disappointed that some chose to dig up turf post-match.

"I know the ground means so much to so many people and hope those that took a piece of turf last night look after it and keep it well watered over summer."

The International Rules fixture was the last event the venue, which will, as of early next year, be replaced by the new 60,000 seat Perth Stadium.

The three-tier grandstand at Domain Stadium (Subiaco Oval) is set to be pulled down in the coming months, and Taylor said there would be plenty of opportunity for fans to get mementoes of the ground.

He told the ABC, “in the coming weeks we will confirm the proper process for people to obtain souvenirs from the ground including items such as signage, furniture, catering equipment, sound systems, screens and rows of seats.

"However, there won't be any more turf on offer as we need to keep the playing surface in top condition for West Coast Eagles training."

Acting Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said he understood fans' desire to souvenir a piece of the ground, but did not condone their behaviour, stating “obviously there's a huge amount of affection for Subiaco Oval, it's a place that we all grew up watching footy and other sports over the years.

"I can understand why there is this great affection for the oval and we need to preserve its heritage value so people can continue to preserve their memories of it.

"I don't recommend ripping up the turf and taking it home but I do recommend everyone continuing to hold those great memories and thoughts of Subiaco and all the great sporting events that have taken place there."

Part of the oval is being incorporated into the design of a new inner city high school at the site that is due to open in 2020.

Image: Fans look to take souvenirs of Subiaco Oval's turf. Coutesy of Nadia Mitsopoulos/Twitter.

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