Sydney FC slams security at GMHBA Stadium following fan expulsions

Sydney FC has criticised security staff at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium after several of its fans were removed from its away A-League clash with Western United on Sunday.

Reports have seen Sydney fans claim that several of their number were ejected from the venue after failing to heed instructions from security staff to sit down during the game.

Five away supporters were evicted, apparently for anti-social behaviour, and two people were arrested for intoxication, which led to complaints from fans across Twitter and the club labelling the action as “overzealous.”

Sydney FC, which won the game 2-0, backed its fans in a statement, claiming that they had been “mistreated”.

The statement advised “over 200 dedicated supporters travelled to Geelong to support our club at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

“Having investigated the situation and spoken to Sydney FC representatives on the ground, we have been informed of a number of avoidable evictions of our fans by overzealous security who bypassed advice from our Sydney FC supporter marshals.

“Nobody condones anti-social behaviour however we strongly believe the situation could have been handled in a better way.

“To see our fans mistreated is disappointing and we are working with the Hyundai A-League to investigate. We have also spoken to Western United and to the stadium to ask them to review their procedures with regard to supporter treatment.”

Gerard Griffin, Chief Executive of The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, said the evictions were down to “anti-social behaviour” and added that stadium management worked with Sydney FC representatives, Victoria Police and MA Security throughout the process.

Griffin stated “the priority of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans and anti-social behaviour at any event held at the Stadium will not be tolerated.”

During the 2019 AFL season, fans at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium reported feeling intimidated by venue security.