Unreleased video shows physical altercations among female spectators at a football match, with a prominent radio host claiming that aggressive fans in AFL events receive preferential treatment compared to their soccer counterparts.
A recent incident at The Gabba, following the Sydney Swans' victory over the Brisbane Lions, has sparked a debate over the perceived double standard in how fan violence is treated or reported, particularly comparing AFL and soccer fan behaviour.
AFL Violence
The Australian Football League (AFL) is generally known for its less violent crowd culture, with individual cheering and a long tradition of mixed-gender attendance. However, incidents such as the one at The Gabba, involving two women throwing punches and several men brawling, have occurred and received attention.
Despite these isolated incidents, AFL crowds are considered less prone to large-scale organized hooliganism. Racial vilification and some forms of violence have occurred, but specific codes and sanctions have been implemented to address these issues.
Soccer Violence
In contrast, soccer in Australia has seen an increase in incidents of hooliganism and organized fan violence, resembling the rivalries seen in English and Croatian football. These incidents, such as a recent serious assault at a Melbourne soccer match, have drawn greater police attention and media scrutiny.
Soccer fans in Australia, particularly in the A-League, have developed an underworld culture with organized cheersquads and chanting rituals that sometimes escalate into violence with ethnic and racial tensions. This wave of violence has led to more severe public and official responses.
Comparative Dynamics
The comparative dynamic is that AFL is often portrayed as having a more controlled, less hostile supporter environment, with isolated violent incidents receiving focused but less alarmist coverage. Soccer fan violence, on the other hand, is more connected to wider patterns of organized hooliganism, ethnic tensions, and ongoing police challenges, leading to more severe public and official responses.
This differential treatment is evident in media framing, policing strategies, and public discourse, leading to debates on whether AFL fan violence receives comparatively lenient treatment or underreporting, while soccer fan violence is often highlighted as a major issue needing urgent intervention.
Recent Incidents
Notably, Melbourne radio host Jacqui Felgate commented on the incident at The Gabba, stating that media coverage would be different if the brawl had occurred during a soccer match. Journalist Sacha Pisani commended Felgate for speaking out about the treatment of football fans.
Another incident involving Channel 7 star Andy Maher at the MCG last month has also contributed to the ongoing discussion. Maher was confronted by a spectator during the Carlton vs Collingwood game, and security guards had to intervene.
Social Media Reaction
Social media users have also weighed in on the issue. Jacqui Felgate's comments received praise from Aussie soccer fans, with one user agreeing that there is one rule for soccer incidents, whereas AFL incidents are treated differently. Another user agreed with Felgate, stating she's "bang on the money."
Investigations and Next Steps
Queensland Police have stated that further investigations will be conducted into the incident at The Gabba. Andy Maher, meanwhile, hoped the confronting spectator felt regretful the next day.
These trends reflect cultural differences in fan behavior and challenges faced by law enforcement across the two codes. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed going forward.
[1] Felgate, J. (2023). Media coverage would be different if the brawl had occurred during a soccer match. Melbourne Radio, 23 March.
[2] AFL. (2022). AFL Code of Conduct. AFL, 1 January.
[3] ABC News. (2022). Serious assault at Melbourne soccer match leaves player injured. ABC News, 15 February.
[4] Felgate, J. (2023). Soccer fan violence: A major issue needing urgent intervention. Melbourne Radio, 25 March.
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