I received this by a long time grog squader.
Hi All
The much hoped for meeting with the MCC, RFC, Police, Security etc has taken place, but sadly, we were not included in the discussions, which was disappointing, but I think also sends us a very strong message.
I spoke at length with Cain Liddle from the Richmond Football Club, and he was very deliberate with his words and direction:
1 - It is the RFC, in support of an AFL directive, that asked the MCC to take action at the Saints game. Security & Police had to follow through once directed by the MCC.
2 - This was in response to many complaints they received following the Carlton game, and have received throughout the last 2 years in particular
3 - There is a Zero Tolerance policy on swearing at AFL games. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4 - Individuals who are caught swearing WILL be evicted from the ground by the Police. There will be increased Police presence in our bay until further notice.
5 - If individuals are not able to be identified during any chants containing swear words, the MCC are instructed to shut the bay down again. They are aware that a number of people in the area take shelter, thinking there will be safety in numbers. This is why the bay was shut down during the Saints game. MCC DOES have the authority to shut down any area they believe is causing issues.
6 - This is not a Tiger Army/Grog Squad thing, the same has been explained to Essendon & Collingwood supporters over recent weeks (difference is, they complied)
7 - The RFC loves the passion, loves the Tiger voices in full strength, but is adament chants cannot contain any profanities. No grey areas, no grey words, no exceptions.
8 - Police have been instructed to take immediate action against anyone who expresses racist, homophobic, or bullying remarks (this includes ANY of the chants directed to Stephen Milne), that would be deemed as harassment.
9 - Police will target any supporters they believe are drunk and/or aggressive.
10 - RFC will cancel the membership of anyone found guilty of transgressing any of the above.
I have been asked to attend a presentation the club has arranged for the Cheer Squad, re understanding racism & indigenous issues, for 9:00am Saturday morning. If there is anything extra that comes out of this meeting, I will try to let you know before the game.
I will be in my normal spot before the game, but am seriously considering moving to another bay, or heaven forbid, my reserved seat, as there is a minority who have been quite vocal on facebook, and wont heed the warnings. If you can help communicate this message to anyone around you before the game, it would be appreciated by all. We want all of the passion to be there at the end of the game, in full voice, to celebrate our win over the Pies.
Whether we agree or disagree about this action, or seemingly having our area singled out, we are going to monitored within an inch of our lives. Fore-armed is fore-warned.
See you Saturday, dont shoot the messenger!
