AusLeisure

Fearing potential fan violence, Adelaide Venue Management, operators of Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium, have announced a ban on Melbourne Victory fans attending A-League Men's matches against Adelaide United.

Explaining that past matches between the clubs have been marred by "violent and riotous behaviour", Adelaide Venue Management Chief Executive Anthony Kirchner says he met last March with South Australian Police, Adelaide United and A-League's management body Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

In a statement released today, Kirchner advised “security footage was presented to the APL and Adelaide United highlighting our concerns.

"And we requested that the APL provide us with further tangible initiatives to support improved safety at these high-risk fixtures despite the already far-reaching risk management strategies implemented."

Noting that visits from Victory games required "extraordinary additional venue security and police resources", Kirchner added "sadly, the APL did not respond and has ignored our concerns.

"Consequently, stadium management has been left with no choice but to continue to prohibit Melbourne Victory supporters from Coopers Stadium in the interest of public safety until further notice.

"It is important to acknowledge that Melbourne Victory supporters are not solely responsible for the violent behaviour and safety issues at these matches.

"Many Adelaide United 'casuals' attend this fixture each season with the core purpose of engaging in high-risk behaviour and provoking Melbourne Victory supporters, police and security."

Victory are next due to play in Adelaide on 9th March next year.

Kirchner went on to say “there's plenty of time to resolve this matter if the APL works with us to devise and implement improved safety measures.

"There is also the option of the APL utilising ... Adelaide Oval where additional safety measures may be more easily introduced, given its larger size, to separate and control opposing unruly fans."

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