By da640 - 8 Jun 2010 8:28 AM
Racial tension at Wolves match under investigation
08 Jun, 2010 12:55 AM
Football NSW general manager Ian Holmes has vowed allegations of rowdy behaviour at WIN Stadium aren't a prelude to a repeat of race riots that plunged the code into disrepute in 2005.
Holmes confirmed the governing body would request CCTV footage from the venue of Sunday's Wolves-Sydney United match in the wake of accusations against visiting supporters.
The host club complained yesterday that a group of United fans threw projectiles onto the ground near ball boys, damaged lighting in the northern grandstand and defied Football NSW by-laws by displaying a Croatian flag.
Wolves officials are also livid a pyrotechnic device went off in the northern grandstand seconds after the visitors sealed a 1-0 victory - despite the presence of two Sydney United-hired security guards.
The allegations came just six days before United play arch rivals Bonnyrigg - a Serbian-aligned club - in a repeat of the fixture that sparked racially motivated clashes and six arrests in 2005.
Holmes promised there would be no repeat due to stringent entry criteria for the Bonnyrigg Sports Club showdown.
"We'll have very, very restricted access, there will be no spectators from the away club and home supporters will have to be financial members," Holmes said.
"There will also be a strong police presence and the away team will be bussed in and out of the ground."
However, he confirmed Football NSW would investigate the WIN Stadium incidents.
"We would like to get hold of it (CCTV footage) and identify if there was an incident and, if so, who did it," he said.
It is understood fines, points deductions or bans could be enforced if the allegations are proved.
Supporters of Illawarra club South Coast United - another Croatian-backed club - are not alleged to have been involved.
The Wolves declared the episodes threatened the environment the club wanted to promote.
"We're trying to promote a family-friendly game and our supporters shouldn't have to put up with this kind of thing," general manager Cynthia Cuoco said.
"We had major sponsors there and more than 40 kids to play small-sided games.
"It's hard enough for us to attract support already."
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/racial-tension-at-wolves-match-under-investigation/1851832.aspx
Havent seen one of these articles in ages
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By sasha - 11 Jun 2010 9:41 PM
iv been to two bonnyrigg games and it was scary, and one olympic game where flairs were thrown onto the pitch
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