Drunk fans on notice

POLICE have vowed to saturate AFL games this weekend in a bid to curb drunken violence.

It comes after a man involved in a bloody brawl at Etihad Stadium was yesterday banned from the venue for life.

The man, the first ever banned from Etihad after violence marred Friday’s Collingwood-Western Bulldogs game, has also been stripped of his AFL membership.

He will be unable to apply for AFL or any club membership indefinitely.

On Saturday a male was glassed in the face at the Stella Artois Lounge at GMHBA Stadium during the game between Geelong and Carlton.

It was one of two violent incidents at the venue reported to the Geelong Advertiser.

Three brawls at Etihad Stadium in the past two weeks have been captured on camera.

The Geelong Football Club has also put its members on notice.

“With regard to potential punishment of members that display inappropriate behaviour, the club’s constitution allows for revocation and suspension of club membership,” the club said in a statement. “In past instances, this has been applied”.

Victoria Police Acting Commander David Clayton said the vast majority of AFL fans acted responsibly.

“Unfortunately there are a few who choose to do the wrong thing,” Acting Commander Clayton said.

“For the coming weekend the public can expect to see more police at sporting matches in the public areas, corporate areas and membership areas.

“Anybody found to be drunk, assaulting anybody or engaging in an affray will be arrested, will appear at court and they can then explain their behaviour to the magistrate, the community and their family.”

The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, responsible for GMHBA Stadium security, said it would review the weekend’s incidents.