Warning issued over flare lighting

THE police officer in charge of Western Sydney’s return to Parramatta has put “a small minority” of the Red and Black Bloc on notice ahead of the Sydney derby, after flares were lit before the Round 1 win over Central Coast.

Widely praised for his proactive work with Wanderers fans, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones warned that police would arrest anyone who lights flares before Saturday’s clash against Sydney FC at Bankwest Stadium.

Though Jones emphasised that behaviour inside the new stadium had been excellent, he expressed frustration over the ignition of flares during the march through Parramatta before both the Mariners game and the friendly with Leeds in July. Last month the avowed football fan praised the RBB after holding lengthy talks with the fans over the return to Parramatta, and admitted that police had previously “got it wrong” over their management of games.

But Jones has now made clear that their revamped approach could not extend to ignoring breaches of the law, and said his officers would have orders to arrest any fans who ignore the warnings.

“In a nutshell, the activities within the stadium have been good, and likewise our overall relationship with the fans has been good,” Jones said.

“The vast majority have contributed to the atmosphere the right way, and we’re looking forward to the derby being a massive event. But the flares [on the march] have to stop.

“It’s really clear: we’re the police and letting them off isn’t on. These are marine flares, highly unsuitable for ignition in a crowd.”