Federation Square urged to scrap Socceroos screenings after flares, crush and assault allegation
Flares and an alleged sexual assault have marred the Socceroos’ World Cup screening at Federation Square, intensifying calls to scrap future live site events after chaotic scenes that included a crowd crush and a police officer being injured. Victoria Police confirmed that mounted officers were deployed before kick-off on Saturday morning as thousands of fans tried to force their way into the packed Melbourne venue, which had reached capacity well before the 5am start.
Video footage from the site showed stewards stamping out flares left burning on the ground among spectators. Police later disclosed that 14 flares and one firework were set off at Federation Square before the match against the USA. Two people were arrested in connection with the flares and are expected to be charged on summons. A Victoria Police spokesperson said: “Police will review CCTV in an effort to determine those responsible for setting off the remaining flares. Enforcing prohibited items, such as flares, from entering the live site remains the responsibility of the venue.”
Approximately 7,500 people attended Federation Square, while another 8,900 gathered at AAMI Park to watch the fixture. During the surge as fans attempted to push into the venue, a police officer suffered a minor foot injury after being crushed against a barrier. No injuries were reported among the crowd.
Separately, police confirmed that a 16-year-old boy from Melbourne’s Manningham area was arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a woman at about 4.55am on Saturday. He is expected to be charged on summons.
Security concerns and the reversal of the screening ban
Saturday’s disorder has thrown a spotlight on the decision to stage World Cup screenings at Federation Square at all. Before the tournament began, Melbourne Arts Precinct – which manages the square – initially ruled against showing games, citing safety concerns. Chief executive Katrina Sedgwick said at the time that the decision was driven by “the behaviour of a small number of people at previous screenings which was simply unacceptable and damaging to Fed Square”.
Those concerns were rooted in a history of disorder at the venue. During the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final between Australia and England, fans stormed barricades, leading to the cancellation of plans to screen the Matildas’ subsequent third-place playoff. On that occasion, more than 50 flares were set off, and four males aged between 16 and 23 were fined over $960 each for possessing flares, while another 16-year-old was cautioned for throwing a flare. At the 2022 Men’s World Cup, fans were injured by flares and projectiles, with reports of over 100 flares and fireworks being set off on the final night of the last Socceroos screening.
The initial ban by Melbourne Arts Precinct provoked a backlash from the football community, including Football Australia, former Socceroo Craig Foster, and Matildas captain Sam Kerr. Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler argued that Melbourne is a “sporting and multicultural capital” and that the ban went against that tradition. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan subsequently overturned the decision, stating: “I disagree with that decision – and I am overturning it.” She assured that police and security would be present with “zero tolerance” for poor behaviour, adding: “The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart.”
Craig Foster, who had pushed for the screenings to go ahead and later served as MC at the live site, urged fans to stop setting off flares. Sedgwick had previously highlighted the difficulty of managing flares in crowded spaces, noting that some people had been injured by them at past events.
The atmosphere had been largely positive when the Socceroos defeated Turkey 2-0 earlier in the tournament, although flares were also lit during that celebration. Saturday’s scenes proved far more concerning. Australia eventually lost 2-0 to the USA in Seattle. On social media, one commenter wrote: “Last Fed Square event today.” Another added: “Turn the TV off.”
