Melbourne’s Federation Square willno longer serve as a live World Cup viewing site after punters stormed security gates last night to watch the Matildas semi-final,while in Sydney,areview has launched into the train network paralysis that marooned thousands of fans trying to get home from Sydney Olympic Park.
The decision to shut down the Federation Square site was made in conjunction with police. A spokesperson for the Victorian government said:
During the Women’s World Cup Federation Square has hosted 140,000 people – and there have been many memorable scenes with thousands throwing their support behind the Matildas.
However as a result of disappointing behaviour by a small group of people,Federation Square management has made the decision that there will no longer be a live site at Federation Square,due to safety concerns.
It is clear that if there was a repeat of last night’s behaviour it would be unsafe for families,fans and staff.
Meanwhile,the travel chaos that engulfed tens of thousands of Matildas fans in Sydney after a signal box was vandalised has sparked calls for more staff at stations during major events,improved communications with passengers stuck on platforms,and bolstered security.
The meltdown has again exposed the fragility of Sydney’s rail network,which has suffered repeated failures this year. A signaller calling in sick last month brought part of the network to a grinding halt for more than hour.
Premier Chris Minns,who apologised to fans for the disruptions,said the government clearly needed to look at security of the transport network,especially for critical infrastructure,and a review would be undertaken.