Chaos erupts at Federation Square with a fan dragged out by police as the Socceroos go to
Aussie football fans have been spotted jumping over barricades, and letting off flares at Melbourne’s main World Cup watch site in Federation Square.
Young supporters have also been captured running from security in the lead up to the Socceroos high-stakes World Cup match versus Paraguay with at least one unruly fan removed from the venue.
The gates to the watch site had to be opened ahead of schedule, after a crowd overwhelmed security officials.
Fans barged their way through an entrance to the site earlier this morning without any security checks, in what kicked off a wild start to the day.
After the breach organisers officially opened the gates, and urged crowd members to act in a safe manner over the loud speakers at the location.
Victorian Police remove an unruly fan from Federation Square during the Socceroos match against Paraguay
Chaos has ensued yet again at the Federation Square live site ahead of the Socceroos World Cup match
Fans have been involved in physical altercations, and have jumped over barriers
Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda (pictured) scored Australia’s first goal of the tournament in its first group stage match
Unfortunately, most haven’t listened, with some fans throwing bottles and even engaging in fights with other supporters.
Victorian Police confirmed that there was a single arrest at Federation Square while several penalty notices were issued.
‘Disappointingly, 7 flares were set off at Federation Square resulting in one person being arrested,’ a spokesperson said.
‘A 16-year-old Whittlesea boy is expected to be charged on summons.
‘Police will review CCTV in an effort to determine those responsible for setting off the remaining flares.
‘Enforcing prohibited items, such as flares, from entering the live site remains the responsibility of the venue.
‘Three offenders, a15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy both from Whittlesea and a 19-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, were issued penalty notices for riotous behaviour and given directions to leave area.’
The popular Victorian location reached its capacity of 7,000 supporters, just before 10am.
Those still left waiting in a queue to be let in were then told to head to the overflow site at AAMI Park.
One teen has since been detained by police as they searched his bag.
By 11am, crows members began turning very rogue, and started to become rowdy with some teenagers pushing and shoving each other,
The chaos comes just one week after chaotic scenes greeted the location when Australia faced the USA.
Fresh calls then emerged to scrap Socceroos World Cup screenings at Federation Square.
Victoria Police confirmed mounted officers were forced to intervene before kick-off as fans attempted to push their way into the packed Melbourne live site.
Federation Square was at capacity well before the 5am start, with thousands of supporters making the trip to the spot to watch the team.