With the A-League season only weeks away, police in the outer-western suburbs of Sydney are already nervous about the prospect of handling the Western Sydney Wanderer's rowdy Red And Black Bloc. The passionate army of fans divides opinions within A-League circles; some see them as an asset to the game, creating an amazing atmosphere and improving the game-day experience. Others see them as an unruly mob of flare-happy outlaws. The NSW police seem to fall into the latter category, and have met with Wanderers management to propose they take the fun out of football in the following ways:
• Banning the traditional march by the RBB through the Parramatta CBD to Pirtek Stadium;
• The RBB won't be allowed to display any banners that are considered to be provocative;
• There will be a zero tolerance for swearing;
• RBB supporters will be ordered to remain in their seats and to not 'compress' [stand shoulder-to-shoulder and jump and clap their hands above their heads ] when they chant;
• Only one person, designated by the club, will be allowed to take a megaphone into the stadium; Flares will not be tolerated. The police intend to ensure the rules are followed.
There's no word as yet from the Red & Black Bloc around the requests from the police. The Wanderers kick off their season with a clash against the Brisbane Roar on October 8.
