The policing of the first Test at Brisbane was widely condemned by many of those who attended as being overzealous and petty – Cricinfo received many complaints from spectators. A scathing column in the Gold Coast Bulletin pulls no punches.
The Gabba resembled Stalag 13, complete with bumbling, over-zealous officials who have turned a day at the cricket for many into a survival test. More than 200 spectators were ejected from the ground and there were nine arrests over the first four days of the Test.
People were thrown out for a whole range of sins, including blowing their own trumpet, waving the Aussie flag, trying to start a Mexican wave and even, dare we say it, inciting an 'Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi' chant. A Gold Coast cricket fan was told by police to leave his seat because he was sneezing too much. True story.
In this new world order of terrorism, police and security have a difficult job to do at major sporting events. But Cricket Australia's heavy-handed approach will turn fans away. The Gabba needs to be more spectator-friendly. Right now, it's just not cricket.
Possibly conscious of the deep sense of ill feeling caused by the Queensland authorities, the South Australia authorities today issued a statement asking fans to act responsibly, while having fun at this year’s Test.
