Sam Kerr is amongst the many fans in uproar as Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square announced it will not be showing Socceroos matches when the FIFA World Cup kicks off next month.
Matildas star Kerr responded to the news with a “boo” while former Socceroo Craig Foster labelled the ban “ridiculous”, with football fanatics now forced to look elsewhere for their World Cup fix.
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Venue management confirmed the decision, pointing to trouble at previous events as the reason for the ban.
Flares were set off during a screening of Australia vs Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, causing injury to fans and prompting a call out from the fire brigade.
Arrests were made with Melbourne Arts Precinct chief executive Katrina Sedgwick saying the damage to the square and the behaviour of some meant future matches will not be shown.
The football community is up in arms over the decision, particularly as screenings of the Women’s World Cup in 2023 were trouble free, with footage of the crowd supporting the Matildas going viral.
And the Australian FA has called for the venue to re-think their stance.
“Football Australia is urging the Melbourne Arts Precinct to overturn its decision not to host public watch parties during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026,” a statement read.
“Football Australia is extremely disappointed with the decision to rob Australian fans of an opportunity to gather and support the Socceroos in their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance.
“The CommBank Socceroos have long united Australians, and World Cups are moments when fans unite to celebrate and create lasting memories.
“Football Australia has spoken with the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Arts Precinct, expressing its strong disappointment and requesting that they overturn this decision.”
Fans have derided the decision with one calling it a “shame”, while pundit Foster described it as “absurd”.
Adam Peacock said on SEN: “You can stick that so far up where it is impossible to retrieve it’s not funny.
“That is one of the most myopic, baseless, stupid decisions that I can think of. I can only think it’s because of the sport that’s being played, football.
“It’s a complete lack of understanding about people enjoying themselves in a wider sense.
“Melbourne is a city with all sorts of issues with crime. Now you’ve got this communal event where the vast majority of people are behaving themselves, enjoying and there’s a spirit about it.
“You’re taking that away because you’ve sh*t yourself. I cannot believe they’ve come up with this decision.
“It makes the blood boil. Get stuffed.”
“Ridiculous decision,” Foster wrote on X.
“Every World Cup brings the nation together, hundreds of thousands of Aussies standing shoulder to shoulder, around the country, often through the night, even in the cold and rain to share in their passion for the @TheMatildas or @Socceroos
“Kids, families, all cultures, faiths.
“It’s an important time for Aussies to feel together, watch the world’s largest sporting event, share in the national spirit.
“The vision of fans in different cities all sharing in the experience has become a hallmark of both female and male World Cups, connecting the country through.”
Foster then went one further by demanding action from the authorities to overturn the decision.
He continued: “All stakeholders should be working to overturn this absurd decision.
“Whether @FootballAUS @aleaguemen, the PFA as whole of game, along with members of
@VicParliament, @cityofmelbourne. And @JacintaAllanMP should intervene.”
Sports reporter Vince Rugari wrote: “This country man. Would not be shocked if this decision gets overturned.”
Ray Gatt said: “Every football fan should let whoever is responsible for this disgraceful decision know exactly how they feel.
“Use your voices. Use every means possible to make them reverse the decision!
Football fans unite for a change! Be heard!”
Football reporter Joey Lynch added: “An absolute disgrace.”
Max Rushden said: “This is a sh*t decision.”
While fans have been equally admonishing in their criticism to take away a tradition that dates back to the 2006 World Cup.
“Shame on all involved”, wrote one unhappy fan.
Another added: “What is this nonsense?”
A third wrote: “This is a genuine disgrace.”
Despite the frustration, fans will be able to attend other live sites in Melbourne to watch the World Cup – but it is doubtful 10,000 spectators will be able to pack in like they did at Federation Square.
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