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'Not getting tickets': Victorians banned from AFL and NRL in NSW

Australian Associated Press
·4-min read
The Sydney Swans, pictured here in action at the SCG.
Victorian fans won't be allowed into the SCG in Sydney. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says Victorian NRL and AFL fans will be banned from attending games in NSW.

Hazzard says only non-Victorians will be allowed into games of both codes in NSW, amid concerns over the spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria.

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NSW stadiums with a capacity of more than 40,000 people can host up to 10,000 fans at AFL and NRL games from July 1.

But Hazzard said Victorian residents would be barred from purchasing tickets in a move agreed by hierarchy of both codes.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, pictured here speaking to the media in Sydney.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard speaks at a press conference in Sydney. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Hazzard said he would “leave it to (AFL and NRL heads) to explain” the details.

“They have actually put in place measures immediately and confirmed to me ... that they have the measures in place,” Hazzard told reporters on Thursday.

“And we're quite satisfied they can make sure that supporters from Melbourne and Victoria are not coming to our games.

“They're not getting tickets, that’s the simple answer.

“They (the AFL and NRL) have satisfied me they have made all necessary measures and steps to ensure people who will be entering the stadium will be people who are from Sydney.”

Fans to show drivers license at gates

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys confirmed on Thursday that only club members will have access to match tickets when capped crowds return next week.

Supporters will then have to bring identification when they arrive at the grounds, with any Victorian residents to be turned away.

“The only people that will get in will be members of the clubs or season-ticket holders, where we'll know all their details,” V'landys told AAP on Thursday.

“It's to assure the government that no one from Victoria will be allowed in.

“We've always said that we wanted to repay the loyal members of each of the clubs. In the first instance, it'll only be club members, to reward their loyalty.

“By only allowing members in, we know their addresses, we know all their details, so we can safeguard against any Victorians getting in.”

The announcement sparked an interesting reaction on social media.

No virus exception for AFL match in WA

Meanwhile, the West Australian government has ruled out bringing forward phase four of eased COVID-19 restrictions by one day so attendance at a planned AFL match in Perth will not be limited to 30,000.

Health Minister Roger Cook said Perth's Optus Stadium would hold the biggest crowd seen “pretty much anywhere in the world” in many months, with the AFL poised to announce a Collingwood and Geelong game on July 17 and the Western Derby on July 19.

Phase four of eased restrictions kicks in on July 18, allowing stands to fill to the full 60,000 capacity.

“Our rules are very clear on this,” Mr Cook told reporters on Thursday.

“We're really pleased that we're getting to a point where we can see footy return to WA.”

The Victorian teams will stay in hotel quarantine at Crown Perth, while the Eagles and Dockers have been cleared to serve their quarantine periods in their own homes.

It's expected the WA hub will continue on a rolling basis, with another two Victorian teams taking the place of the Magpies and Cats.

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said fans would be prevented from attending training sessions and urged the public to act sensibly when attending and leaving games.

with Yahoo Sports staff