World Cup screenings back on at Australia's Federation Square after govt steps in
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
MELBOURNE, May 7 : Melbourne's Federation Square will once again screen World Cup matches after the government stepped in to overturn a decision stopping the broadcasts due to poor fan behaviour.
Venue management said on Wednesday they would not show matches on the "Big Screen" at the square where hundreds of thousands of fans have gathered to watch World Cup matches for 20 years.
The move triggered a furious backlash from fans groups and soccer pundits, while Australia's soccer federation requested it be reversed.
Victoria state's top government official, Premier Jacinta Allan, said on Thursday the World Cup should bring people together, not keep them apart.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
"I disagree with that decision – and I am overturning it," she said in a statement.
"There’s always a risk of bad behaviour from a few dickheads at every public gathering, but police and security will be on site, and there’ll be zero tolerance for it."
Video of fans celebrating wildly with every Australian goal went viral during the 2022 tournament in Qatar as the Socceroos advanced to the round of 16.
A number of incidents soured the celebrations, though, with some fans being injured by flares and projectiles.
Fans stormed barricades during the 2023 Women's World Cup semi-final between Australia and England, prompting management to cancel plans to screen the Matildas' subsequent third-place playoff at the square.
Australia play Turkey, Paraguay and the United States at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup.
Allan said the government would ensure the square in the heart of Melbourne's CBD had the support it needed to put on the matches.
"Now more than ever, people deserve more free stuff to do together in the city," she said.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app