Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Matilda Boseley and Molly Glassey

World Cup football fans barge through barricades to enter Federation Square fan zone

Crowds attempt to break through barricades to enter Melbourne Fifa fan festival
Crowds attempt to break through barricades to enter the Fifa Women’s World Cup Fan Festival at Federation Square in Melbourne. Photograph: Matilda Boseley/The Guardian

Football fans knocked down barriers outside Melbourne’s Federation Square, allowing hundreds more to enter the already crowded site where many gathered to watch the Matildas match.

Thousands of fans were already crowded in the fenced fan zone, waiting for the Matildas v England game to begin on Wednesday night, before people attempted to break through barricades outside the Fifa Women’s World Cup Fan Festival.

Footage of the incident, which happened shortly before the semi-final kick-off at 8pm AEST, appeared to show security staff standing by as people barged in.

Some people were heard counting down from 10 before knocking over the barricades and rushing through.

Fed Square said in a tweet just after 7pm that the main square was full.

Multiple people told Guardian Australia they were concerned about crowd safety.

Bo Svoronos attended the fan site with his wife and 11-year-old son and was metres away from where the video was filmed, and said he was concerned there was not enough police or security in the area.

“I was more concerned about the kids, especially the kids that were sitting at the front.”

The barricades on the riverside of Flinders Street were knocked down twice, with hundreds of people running into the fan zone.

The crowd appeared to settle after the game began.

“It’s quietened down now, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled,” Svoronos said.

Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.