20/8/04
Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera has called on football fans to keep a cool head at this weekend’s derby clash between the Eagles and the Dockers.
The Minister's plea comes after what he called last weekend’s disgraceful behaviour involving spectator brawls and abuse of umpires.
“Football is all about passion," he said.
"Scream for your team, but keep it clean and act sensibly.
“I don’t want to dampen the enthusiasm supporters feel for their team, especially for what is shaping up as a do-or-die derby clash for both teams this weekend. However, supporters have to realise that resorting to brawling is going too far.
“Fans who take out their frustrations on an umpire should have nothing short of a life ban from football grounds. I was pleased to see that the WA Amateur Football League agrees and has banned a player for life this week after an altercation with an umpire.
“This type of behaviour is unnecessary and threats to kill an umpire are simply unacceptable. No-one should be threatened for going to work and doing their job.”
Mr Kucera said he would rather see clashes in the stands take the form of a decibel duel.
“I challenge all Dockers supporters to see if they can out-shout me and my fellow Eagles fans at Subiaco Oval on Sunday,” he said.
“Take your passion to your favourite sport on the weekend - but not abuse and violence.”
Minister's office: 9213 7000
