Australian government overturns Melbourne World Cup screening ban: ‘Always a risk of a few d—heads’

Federation Square has hosted sporting watch parties for fans since 2006 Diego Fedele/Getty Images Share articleThe Australian government have overturned the decision for World Cup matches to not be screened at Melbourne’s Federation Square, a day after the the original ban. Jacinta Allan, 49th premier of the Australian state of Victoria and the leader of the Victorian Labor Party, acknowledged risk from “a few d—heads” in a statement on Victoria’s state website, but pledged the government’s support to put on the games for free. Melbourne Arts Precinct, which governs the square, had said on Wednesday that Australia’s matches would not be screened due to the “simply unacceptable and damaging” behaviour of a “small number of people”. The venue has hosted live watch parties for fans since 2006, but in the 2023 women’s World Cup, the screening of Australia’s third-placed play-off match was cancelled after fans stormed the barricades during the semi-final against England. The decision came under immediate scrutiny from the nation’s football governing body, with Football Australia expressing “strong disappointment” and requesting a reversal, which was later confirmed on Thursday morning. “Yesterday, Melbourne Arts Precinct decided that Fed Square won’t show Socceroos matches on the big screen. I disagree with that decision – and I am overturning it,” Allan said. “The government will ensure Fed Square has the support it needs to put on the matches this year. We’re also looking at additional events and live sites, so Victorians have more options to watch. “Now more than ever, people deserve more free stuff to do together in the city. There’s always a risk of bad behaviour from a few d—heads at every public gathering, but police and security will be on site, and there’ll be zero tolerance for it. “The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart. Good luck Socceroos – Victoria is behind you.” The U-turn was welcomed by Football Australia, whose CEO Martin Kugeler said he was “delighted” by the “excellent outcome”. Australia will face Turkey, Paraguay and co-hosts United States in this summer’s tournament, spread also across Canada and Mexico. They will play their first game on June 14 against Turkey in BC Place, Vancouver, and selected Oakland, California as the team’s base camp for the tournament. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms