Racist goons doing Nazi salutes bring shame on Melbourne on first day of Australian Open
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/racist-goons-doing-nazi-salutes-bring-shame-on-melbourne-on-first-day-of-australian-open/story-e6frf7jo-1225821002409
RACIST goons doing Nazi salutes brought shame on Melbourne on the first day of the Australian Open.
A mob of young men of Croatian background intimidated other fans, let off flares and spat on, then slapped, a Herald Sun photographer.
Should life bans be imposed on tennis thugs? Have your say in the comments below
The disgraceful display made a mockery of so-called multicultural Melbourne as tennis fans around the world tuned in for the first Grand Slam event of the year.
Police, tennis officials and politicians were red-faced and fuming.
Premier John Brumby said our reputation as a friendly nation was on the line and called on fans to unite.
Family First Senator Steve Fielding said racist louts should be banned from all sporting events for at least three years or jailed.
"People have the right to go to these events without having to put up with this kind of trash," he said.
The trouble started when eight people were barred from entering the tournament for carrying flares. One flare was let off outside Melbourne Park even before play started.
Teams of security staff were waiting when the front gates opened but some Croatian fans dodged them by running up the stairs while others attempted to hide their faces under hoodies.
Another 11 goons were ejected from court six, half an hour into Croatian Ivo Karlovic's match against Czech Radek Stepanek.
One supporter was found carrying two flares.
Police Supt Jock Menzel denied security failed.
"You must understand people are innovative and they will go to great lengths to smuggle contraband into the particular venue," he said.
He said police assisted security staff in ejecting Karlovic's supporters, who have been banned for the rest of the tournament.
Two were fined $234, one for disrupting play and the other for possessing a flare, but no charges were laid.
"These 11 people were disruptive, they were standing on seats and they were causing problems for the other spectators who were there to watch the game," Supt Menzel said.
"Tennis Australia and Victoria Police, we won't tolerate poor behaviour and we've demonstrated that this morning."
Once again, repetitive poor behaviour emanating from the Croatian community.
And also an insight (nazi salutes) into their inner souls.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/racist-goons-doing-nazi-salutes-bring-shame-on-melbourne-on-first-day-of-australian-open/story-e6frf7jo-1225821002409
RACIST goons doing Nazi salutes brought shame on Melbourne on the first day of the Australian Open.
A mob of young men of Croatian background intimidated other fans, let off flares and spat on, then slapped, a Herald Sun photographer.
Should life bans be imposed on tennis thugs? Have your say in the comments below
The disgraceful display made a mockery of so-called multicultural Melbourne as tennis fans around the world tuned in for the first Grand Slam event of the year.
Police, tennis officials and politicians were red-faced and fuming.
Premier John Brumby said our reputation as a friendly nation was on the line and called on fans to unite.
Family First Senator Steve Fielding said racist louts should be banned from all sporting events for at least three years or jailed.
"People have the right to go to these events without having to put up with this kind of trash," he said.
The trouble started when eight people were barred from entering the tournament for carrying flares. One flare was let off outside Melbourne Park even before play started.
Teams of security staff were waiting when the front gates opened but some Croatian fans dodged them by running up the stairs while others attempted to hide their faces under hoodies.
Another 11 goons were ejected from court six, half an hour into Croatian Ivo Karlovic's match against Czech Radek Stepanek.
One supporter was found carrying two flares.
Police Supt Jock Menzel denied security failed.
"You must understand people are innovative and they will go to great lengths to smuggle contraband into the particular venue," he said.
He said police assisted security staff in ejecting Karlovic's supporters, who have been banned for the rest of the tournament.
Two were fined $234, one for disrupting play and the other for possessing a flare, but no charges were laid.
"These 11 people were disruptive, they were standing on seats and they were causing problems for the other spectators who were there to watch the game," Supt Menzel said.
"Tennis Australia and Victoria Police, we won't tolerate poor behaviour and we've demonstrated that this morning."
Once again, repetitive poor behaviour emanating from the Croatian community.
And also an insight (nazi salutes) into their inner souls.
