Flares set off and objects thrown at players during Canberra junior AFL final

Two people were briefly taken into custody after flares were set off and objects were thrown at players during an Under-18 AFL Canberra grand final in Canberra.

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Reports received by police were that from a group of between 50 and 75 teens, items had been thrown at players, flares had been discharged, and multiple patrons were intoxicated.

ACT Policing officers went to Phillip Oval at about 8:30 p.m. after reports of a disturbance during the match between Marist College and the Belconnen Magpies. Police said the reports involved a group of 50 to 75 teenagers, thrown objects, discharged flares and several intoxicated patrons. Both people were released at the venue.

Marist College deputy principal Liam Stakelum told parents that the match ended in “chaotic” scenes. He said the people taken into custody belonged to a group that had behaved poorly throughout the game. After quarter time, the school kept its students at one end of the ground to protect them from possible risk.

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They were part of a group that exhibited considerably poor behaviour throughout the match.

Stakelum said the group did not appear to be affiliated with Belconnen. Police later ordered all spectators to leave because officers could not distinguish genuine Belconnen supporters from those causing trouble. ACT Policing said everyone left without further incident.

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I know the chaotic scenes at the conclusion of the match are hard to reconcile, but I do want everyone to know that the police were the ones who were in control.

An AFL spokesperson said the league worked with police to contain the situation and ensure the game ended safely. The spokesperson said the safety of players, officials and spectators remained the AFL’s highest priority.

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The safety of players, officials and spectators is of paramount importance to the AFL.