Watzy
01-16-2007, 11:58 AM
Security tight at Australian Open
January 16, 2007 12:55pm
SECURITY guards, police and staff with metal detectors, patrolled the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne today to prevent any repeat of the violence that erupted yesterday.
Metal detectors were used to screen spectators entering the Melbourne Park complex as individual private security guards and police in small groups patrolled areas near the courts and refreshment stands.
As many as 150 Croatian and Serbian supporters were ejected from the international tennis tournament yesterday after a brawl erupted between rival fans, many dressed in national colours.
Officials had been bracing for a repeat, with Croatian tennis player Marin Cilic and Serbian player Ilia Bozoljac due to meet on court 21 this afternoon.
But after the gates opened this morning, there was no sign of fans from either side near the court complex.
Tennis fans said they hoped there would be no repeat of yesterday's ugly violence.
"It's a shame that a few individuals can try to spoil the overall friendly atmosphere at what really is a family event," said one fan from Dandenong, who did not give his name.
Australian Open director Craig Tiley warned earlier that any unruly fan would be quickly dealt with.
"We know and we're confident that we have safety measures in place that do protect our fans," he said on Channel 7.
"If yesterday is any indication I know both our police and our safety teams will be definitely evicting any fans that are going to cause any disruptions to the fantastic enjoyment of this event."
Colourful fans had always been a unique feature of the Australian Open, and were an enjoyable feature of the event, he said.
"But certainly when they cross the boundaries and the bounds of acceptable behaviour they will be immediately evicted, zero tolerance absolutely," Mr Tiley said.
Police Acting Superintendent Chris Duthie said there were not enough police yesterday to arrest some of those involved in the violence and continue other duties but that would not happen again.
"Arrests weren't made because there were a large number of people. Had we peeled off our police to take them away we would have reduced our resources, which would have been inappropriate in the circumstance," he said on Channel 9.
"Certainly we have never had this sort of behaviour at the tennis before. I wouldn't say (we were) underdone, but we had sufficient police resources for a normal Australian Open tennis match.
"This was something out of the ordinary. I can assure you, though, that we will not have that problem again."
Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood said yesterday that fans in national colours were welcome at the Australian Open but were expected to behave themselves.
"We hope that today's well-coordinated response sends a clear message that while we are happy for fans to come along and support their favourite player, decisive action will be taken if any patrons, or groups, cross the line of acceptable behaviour at this family event."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21066788-662,00.html
January 16, 2007 12:55pm
SECURITY guards, police and staff with metal detectors, patrolled the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne today to prevent any repeat of the violence that erupted yesterday.
Metal detectors were used to screen spectators entering the Melbourne Park complex as individual private security guards and police in small groups patrolled areas near the courts and refreshment stands.
As many as 150 Croatian and Serbian supporters were ejected from the international tennis tournament yesterday after a brawl erupted between rival fans, many dressed in national colours.
Officials had been bracing for a repeat, with Croatian tennis player Marin Cilic and Serbian player Ilia Bozoljac due to meet on court 21 this afternoon.
But after the gates opened this morning, there was no sign of fans from either side near the court complex.
Tennis fans said they hoped there would be no repeat of yesterday's ugly violence.
"It's a shame that a few individuals can try to spoil the overall friendly atmosphere at what really is a family event," said one fan from Dandenong, who did not give his name.
Australian Open director Craig Tiley warned earlier that any unruly fan would be quickly dealt with.
"We know and we're confident that we have safety measures in place that do protect our fans," he said on Channel 7.
"If yesterday is any indication I know both our police and our safety teams will be definitely evicting any fans that are going to cause any disruptions to the fantastic enjoyment of this event."
Colourful fans had always been a unique feature of the Australian Open, and were an enjoyable feature of the event, he said.
"But certainly when they cross the boundaries and the bounds of acceptable behaviour they will be immediately evicted, zero tolerance absolutely," Mr Tiley said.
Police Acting Superintendent Chris Duthie said there were not enough police yesterday to arrest some of those involved in the violence and continue other duties but that would not happen again.
"Arrests weren't made because there were a large number of people. Had we peeled off our police to take them away we would have reduced our resources, which would have been inappropriate in the circumstance," he said on Channel 9.
"Certainly we have never had this sort of behaviour at the tennis before. I wouldn't say (we were) underdone, but we had sufficient police resources for a normal Australian Open tennis match.
"This was something out of the ordinary. I can assure you, though, that we will not have that problem again."
Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood said yesterday that fans in national colours were welcome at the Australian Open but were expected to behave themselves.
"We hope that today's well-coordinated response sends a clear message that while we are happy for fans to come along and support their favourite player, decisive action will be taken if any patrons, or groups, cross the line of acceptable behaviour at this family event."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21066788-662,00.html