[size=7]
Lockouts are legacy of riots[/size]
BY CHRIS BOULOUS
24 Mar, 2010 12:28 PM
THOUSANDS of fans will be locked out of the top of the table NSW Premier League clash between Sydney United and Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
It will be the third time the local rivals will play in front of empty stands in the past two years as safety concerns continue to haunt the two clubs.
Officials have banned spectators in an attempt to avoid a repeat of pre- and post-match riots after the predominantly Serbian Bonnyrigg supporters and Croatian-backed United fans clashed in 2005.
More than 50 people fought with flares and bottles, resulting in injuries to police and fans. Post-match tension rose when a car was bombed outside King Tomislav Club in Edensor Park and bullets were fired at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Sydney United coach David Zdrilic said football will be the only thing on the players' minds as they look to snap a fortnight of frustration and return to their goal-scoring best.
``It is disappointing in this day and age we have to play in front of closed doors but safety is the number one priority,'' Zdrilic said.
``Unfortunately, safety can't be guaranteed with a crowd so we have to contend with the situation the way it is.
``Our number one priority is converting our chance into goals against a very good Bonnyrigg team who have got some dangerous players.''
Zdrilic's counterpart, Bonnyrigg coach Brian Brown, said this game like every other game is a big game for his team.
``Certainly for both clubs it is a massive game but we can only control what happens on the pitch,'' Brown said.
``Every team this year have lifted against us and we expect nothing less from Sydney United.
``The three competition points is the most important thing and we will be looking to build on our second-half performance last week and take it into this week.''
Football NSW general manager Ian Holmes said the decision to play behind closed doors has been taken in consultation with NSW Police and the committees of both NSW Premier League clubs.
``Sydney United and Bonnyrigg White Eagles are working in close co-operation with Football NSW and the Fairfield local area command of the NSW Police Force to ensure orderly conduct is maintained and the match can proceed without disturbance caused by people outside of the sport,'' Mr Holmes said.
``There will be very restricted entry to the venue. The only persons who will be permitted to attend are paid up club members of the home team who prepurchase tickets. Identification will be required on match day for prepurchased tickets.''
Bonnyrigg will enforce a fan lock-out when the two clubs meet in the return leg at Bonnyrigg Sports Club in June. A decision on a potential finals lock-out if the two teams meet will be made later.
http://www.fairfieldchampion.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/lockouts-are-legacy-of-riots/1785300.aspx?storypage=0