Flares and objects thrown at players reported at junior AFL final in Canberra
In Canberra, Australia, police briefly detained two people after reports of flares being used and objects thrown at players during a junior AFL final. ABC News Australia reports that the incident occurred during the AFL Canberra under-18 final between Marist College and the Belconnen Magpies.
Police report
Police were called to Phillip Oval at about 8:30 p.m. following reports of an incident during the match. According to a statement by Australian Capital Territory police, a group of 50–75 teenagers was reported to have thrown objects at players, used flares, and several attendees were intoxicated.
Two people were briefly detained and later released at the match venue. After the game ended, staff responsible for organising the event asked all spectators to leave the stadium. According to police, all attendees left without further incidents.
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Security measures
Marist College deputy principal Liam Stakelum described the end of the match as chaotic in an address to the players' parents. According to him, the detained spectators were part of a group that behaved poorly throughout the game. After the break between quarters, it was decided to keep the students at one end of the field to protect them from potential risk.
Stakelum also said that, in his view, these spectators were not affiliated with Belconnen. An AFL spokesperson said the safety of players, officials and spectators was the top priority, and that the league worked with police to resolve the situation and ensure the match could be conducted safely.
