TRL ISSUES WARNING OVER POOR BEHAVIOUR
‘‘ ALL PEOPLE ARE REMEMBERING IS THE BAD BEHAVIOUR OF A FEW PEOPLE THAT CAN’T CONTROL THEIR EMOTIONS. TRL CHAIRMAN BRIAN GILROY
RUGBY LEAGUE: As the TRL prepares for it’s biggest weekend of the season, crowd behaviour has again overshadowed the on-field action.
The league posted a statement on its Facebook page yesterday condemning the actions of the minority that made their presence felt at the weekend.
“Once again after the Toowoomba Rugby League Preliminary Finals a large number of spectators, is (sic) officials and referees left Glenholme Park with a bitter taste in their mouths as a result of the disgraceful antics of some spectators,” the statement read, citing “foul-mouthed, abusive and derogatory remarks” from some spectators.
TRL chairman Brian Gilroy said it wasn’t acceptable.
“We had feedback from several quarters that there was some people who saw fit to use foul language and shout abuse at referees and opposition players,” Gilroy said.
“There’s been several really good games of footy, but there’s a bit of a sour taste in our mouth because of the behaviour of individuals who dominate the scene.
“The very noisy minority seem to win the day every every time.”
Gilroy said it was a shame that actions from the crowd detracted from an otherwise stellar display of rugby league.
“There was a very competitive and physical game in Agrade on Sunday, reserve grade was a two-point game, and it takes the emphasis to some degree off the players,” he said.
“They’re wonderful young men who put their body on the line to represent their town in some cases and their club in others.
“All people are remembering is the bad behaviour of a few people that can’t control their emotions, can’t control their passion, can’t control their drinking habits.”
After ideas the atmosphere was part of the game, Gilroy was quick to shrug off that abuse would be tolerated.
“No-one is suggesting you don’t go to the footy and yell and cheer to support your team and encourage your team,” he said.
“No-one is suggesting you sit there in silence, that’s just nonsense.
“It’s what you say, who you say it to and what you say about them that’s the issue, (as well as) the foul language that’s used.”
With crowd numbers to rise due to the grand final, extra security guards will be employed throughout the day, and Gilroy warned fans that if they weren’t going to act appropriately to stay home.
“We’re meeting with our security people to be proactive,” he said.
“On the weekend people were removed from the ground.
“Their behaviour was inappropriate with foul language etc. Security guards gave them a couple of warnings and when they wouldn’t comply they were escorted from the ground.
“People who go beyond the bounds of decent behaviour can expect to be asked to leave (the ground).
“If you’re not going to, don’t come. We’d rather a smaller crowd that enjoy themselves than having people there that just ruin the day for everybody.
“Finals do attract another group of people who aren’t regular followers, and they should be allowed to come and support their grandchildren, sons or whoever is playing without having to put up with it.”