Michael Gleeson, whom I respect greatly as a footy journo, put it really well in this section of his article this evening:
 

"Fans are thus now better prepared to accept the word of the thrown-out loudmouth when they protest (very quickly on social media replete with videos of the incident and just as quickly on talkback radio) that they did nothing, than they are to accept the assurances of the officials that the person deserved to be thrown out.

The loud and ejected have been allowed to be turned into the victims because the AFL has allowed itself to be cast as the aloof bureaucracy trying to take the game away from the people.

If you are going to do it, be honest and tell people why. People want to be condescended to by officials about as much as they want to sit near an offensive supporter behaving badly."
 

4 Points: How the AFL alienated its fans

8 hours ago, chook fowler said:

The images of these Behaviour Awareness Officers patrolling the crowd is very disturbing- all the hallmarks of a police state. Gill is a  liar and needs to be held to account.

"Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously , and accepting both of them."  - George Orwell "1984".

 

 "The AFL's message to everyone is clear-come to the footy, barrack as loud as you can, enjoy the game and do so in a responsible manner". - Gil McLachlan.

"The fans ultimately decide what that looks like, not me or you, it's the people around you." - Gil McLachlan. 

 

"I was on level 3 and it was very awkward. Security was staring anyone down who became animated and several fans were warned for just barracking. It was like we were being spied on." - Nat Edwards.

Something may be clear to Gil but not to anyone else. We are all confused. And not happy.

 

3 minutes ago, Dame Gaga said:

"

"I was on level 3 and it was very awkward. Security was staring anyone down who became animated and several fans were warned for just barracking. It was like we were being spied on." - Nat Edwards.

 

 

Looks like we havent gone full 1984 yet, as Nat Edwards I believe is employed by the AFL.  (for now anyway lol)

Good on her for speaking out about it.

Edited June 16, 20196 yr by Petraccattack

8 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

Michael Gleeson, whom I respect greatly as a footy journo, put it really well in this section of his article this evening:
 

"Fans are thus now better prepared to accept the word of the thrown-out loudmouth when they protest (very quickly on social media replete with videos of the incident and just as quickly on talkback radio) that they did nothing, than they are to accept the assurances of the officials that the person deserved to be thrown out.

The loud and ejected have been allowed to be turned into the victims because the AFL has allowed itself to be cast as the aloof bureaucracy trying to take the game away from the people.

If you are going to do it, be honest and tell people why. People want to be condescended to by officials about as much as they want to sit near an offensive supporter behaving badly."
 

4 Points: How the AFL alienated its fans

Good for you.

I respect the perhaps 3 or 4 journalists in the entire English language.I trust none of them to report the facts objectively. I trust none of them to propose solutions to societal problems. Journalism is a low grade scam . It’s an incredulous hustle and your great respect is obviously given fairly easily.

2 hours ago, Biffen said:

Good for you.

I respect the perhaps 3 or 4 journalists in the entire English language.I trust none of them to report the facts objectively. I trust none of them to propose solutions to societal problems. Journalism is a low grade scam . It’s an incredulous hustle and your great respect is obviously given fairly easily.

Haha ok then champ, thanks for your life story, have a great week.

 

13 hours ago, Moonshadow said:

Ah yes, another one to cross off in political bullsht bingo

I would put SJW's more under the cultural umbrella, but yes they unfortunately do cross over into politics.

The opinion piece in the Age by Joffa is well worth a read. Almost certainly ghost written but nonetheless a good representation of the fans point of view. Also Gleeson has written an excellent editorial in the same rag.

The sooner we are rid of that highly coiffed buffoon that heads the AFL the better.

Kennett has poured petrol on the fire:  jeff-kennett-says-new-arrivals-cant-police-afl-crowds

“I’m not being racist when I say this, but when I saw some of the footage, the people who are making judgments while they wear these authoritative coats are not people who appear to have a great knowledge of our game,”

“I don’t accept that the Marvel Stadium did it on their own. It is an asset owned by the AFL.”

“All I’m saying is the sporting arena is where people relax, where they support their tribe and what is happening now is unacceptable.”

Sometimes, Kennett should let things be rather than inflame what is already a very emotion filled topic. 

Edited June 17, 20196 yr by Lucifer's Hero

4 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Kennett has poured petrol on the fire:  jeff-kennett-says-new-arrivals-cant-police-afl-crowds

“I’m not being racist when I say this, but when I saw some of the footage, the people who are making judgments while they wear these authoritative coats are not people who appear to have a great knowledge of our game,”

“I don’t accept that the Marvel Stadium did it on their own. It is an asset owned by the AFL.”

“All I’m saying is the sporting arena is where people relax, where they support their tribe and what is happening now is unacceptable.”

Sometimes, Kennett should let things be rather than inflame what is already a very emotion filled topic. 

You've been quite kind to Jeff in what you've quoted too, thought this particular exchange was appalling from a club president:

Neil Mitchell: What, you mean they appear to be of ethnic background?

Mr Kennett: Well, they’re new arrivals to Australia, it appears.

Neil Mitchell: We don’t know that.

 

On 6/14/2019 at 9:46 PM, Ethan Tremblay said:

I’m not sure if it’s been reported elsewhere but I heard on the radio this morning that Gil is now placing officials dressed as supporters within the crowd to report (what he deems to be) anti-social behaviour. Gil’s Undercover Gestapo, he’s another step closer to the Fourth Reich. 

A little AFL consistency would save the trouble of a police state. It's perhaps a little like a corrupt, totalitarian regime intent on its own reign into perpetuity. Think what we think; if not, we can penalise you. Criticism is unhealthy. In reality, privilege to complain at any magnitude will be suppressed. 

3 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

You've been quite kind to Jeff in what you've quoted too, thought this particular exchange was appalling from a club president:

Neil Mitchell: What, you mean they appear to be of ethnic background?

Mr Kennett: Well, they’re new arrivals to Australia, it appears.

Neil Mitchell: We don’t know that.

The quotes I made are from the Fox website article which I linked.

I didn't hear the interview nor aware of other transcripts.  So I haven't been selective if that is what you are implying.

I would have thought my closing sentence made it clear that I'm not happy with Kennett's comments.

Edited June 17, 20196 yr by Lucifer's Hero

5 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Kennett has poured petrol on the fire:  jeff-kennett-says-new-arrivals-cant-police-afl-crowds

“I’m not being racist when I say this, but when I saw some of the footage, the people who are making judgments while they wear these authoritative coats are not people who appear to have a great knowledge of our game,”

“I don’t accept that the Marvel Stadium did it on their own. It is an asset owned by the AFL.”

“All I’m saying is the sporting arena is where people relax, where they support their tribe and what is happening now is unacceptable.”

Sometimes, Kennett should let things be rather than inflame what is already a very emotion filled topic. 

That’s really a terrible thing to say by a seasoned politician. Clearly racist. 

Kennett’s correct about Marvel Stadium not acting on their own, though As if Gillon didn’t push them under the bus yesterday with that Marvel exec going on radio to apologise for the situation. 

Gillon is such a wuss. Wishy washy. Aloof. Removed from the grass roots. Got to go.

5 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

The quotes I made are from the Fox website article which I linked.

I didn't hear the interview nor aware of other transcripts.  So I haven't been selective if that is what you are implying.

I would have thought my closing sentence made it clear that I'm not happy with Kennett's comments.

Apologies, was not meant to come across as a dig at you in the slightest, and didn't mean it to imply you were being selective or anything of the like. Was merely trying to add to your post with a quote from the interview which I personally found appalling.

 

Seen some people trying to tie criticism of the heavy handed over zealousness by the AFL with the policing of violent fools who start fights at matches.  They are obviously  two separate issues.

Everyone wants violent thugse kicked out of stadiums.   If I had my way they would be banned for life.  

It is a totally separate issue to the policing of speech and cheering supporters who may or may not say some rude words and shout loudly at games.

 

Violence, physical intimidation, serious threats etc etc =  automatic eviction and ban

Screaming loudly, yelling at incompetent umpires, booing opposition players etc etc  =    normal crowd behaviour

 

Edited June 17, 20196 yr by Petraccattack

29 minutes ago, Petraccattack said:

Seen some people trying to tie criticism of the heavy handed over zealousness by the AFL with the policing of violent fools who start fights at matches.  They are obviously  two separate issues.

Everyone wants violent thugse kicked out of stadiums.   If I had my way they would be banned for life.  

It is a totally separate issue to the policing of speech and cheering supporters who may or may not say some rude words and shout loudly at games.

 

Violence, physical intimidation, serious threats etc etc =  automatic eviction and ban

Screaming loudly, yelling at incompetent umpires, booing opposition players etc etc  =    normal crowd behaviour

 

Swearing (egf and c bombs) loudly and often?

7 minutes ago, binman said:

Swearing (egf and c bombs) loudly and often?

 I would possibly evict (but not ban)  people for that to be honest.  I am  a strong advocate for free speech, but I cant turn a blind eye to degenerates dropping horrific language for two plus hours in front of kids, or anyone else for that matter.

Whats your take, binman

 

27 minutes ago, binman said:

Swearing (egf and c bombs) loudly and often?

are you talking about the players?

20 minutes ago, Petraccattack said:

 I would possibly evict (but not ban)  people for that to be honest.  I am  a strong advocate for free speech, but I cant turn a blind eye to degenerates dropping horrific language for two plus hours in front of kids, or anyone else for that matter.

Whats your take, binman

 

Warn once (pull your head in buddy) and if it continues evict  (but not ban).

The occasional swear word is ok (after telling a mate i yell loudly but never swear at the footy i yelled out 'f  hell, hit a bloody target dees' against GWS after the 20th shocking turnover) but I find that some blokes swear in a really aggressive, targeted way as part of their attack on: coaches, umpires, their own players, opposition players and anyone in the crowd who tells them to pipe down or responds in any way.

Edited June 17, 20196 yr by binman

I'll just boo the security guards and the behavioural awareness officers this Saturday. Might get a life ban which may save me from further pain and suffering watching Melbourne get flogged for years to come. It will be like AFL Euthanasia!!

I have no problem with Crowd Violence at all. What i do object to is some no name Behavioral Officer telling me to stop yelling loudly for my team, which i do and have done for 48 years so far. 

I will not put up with that under any circumstance 

2 hours ago, binman said:

Swearing (egf and c bombs) loudly and often?

I must admit I drop the occasional f word, not directed at anyone, but just in frustration at missing the easy goal, or missing the team mate who is 30 metres in the clear by 10 metres.

1 minute ago, loges said:

I must admit I drop the occasional f word, not directed at anyone, but just in frustration at missing the easy goal, or missing the team mate who is 30 metres in the clear by 10 metres.

Don’t we all...

I had to explain to my 10 year old what the C bomb was after a game sitting next to @Bitter but optimistic.

Most unpleasant, though he claims his presence is "educational"...

 

43 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

I have no problem with Crowd Violence at all. What i do object to is some no name Behavioral Officer telling me to stop yelling loudly for my team, which i do and have done for 48 years so far. 

I will not put up with that under any circumstance 

Agree, never really had any major issues other than the occasional Richmond or Essendon feral. As long as they aren't barracking "at you", I generally have no issue. Then again I probably choose to sit in areas where I know the likelihood of running into ferals from the opposition is unlikely, because I don't want to deal with them. The nanny police, well that is just where the universe is heading sadly.

There is only one thing the AFL understands Money. If you don't like something don't go. If enough do that the AFL will move if you don't they will ignore you. 

Otherwise go and put up with what you don't like. Simple really.

Edited June 17, 20196 yr by old dee