Bulldogs president insists AFL has 'nothing to apologise for'

Western Bulldogs club president Peter Gordon says the AFL has ‘nothing to apologise for’ after negative fan response to increased security at games.

Fans slammed what was seen as overly heavy-handed security at Marvel Stadium for two games last weekend, leading AFL boss Gillon McLachlan to call a press conference on Tuesday to address the issue.

But Gordon said it was fans who should be taking a look at themselves, not the league.

In an appearance on SEN’s Whateley, Gordon said he believed the issue had been blown out of proportion.

“I didn’t think that anything that was going on on the weekend generated the sense of urgency or crisis that now appears to have been built up,” Gordon said.

“I don’t know what Gillon McLachlan’s about to apologise for.

“I saw these extra security. The idea of having enhanced security is I think something that most people would support. I am curious to see what he is about to apologise for.

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“I hope it’s not something that enables and emboldens the very element of the crowds that we are trying to change.

“You’re not entitled to do whatever you want, say whatever you want, because you have paid your money.”

McLachlan ‘devastated’ by fan reaction

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says he's devastated that some fans feel uncomfortable amid a perceived security crackdown at venues.

McLachlan has again denied ordering a greater security focus on crowd behaviour but concedes fans believe otherwise.

"It's devastating to think that our fans think something has changed to limit their enjoyment at the footy," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"Our philosophy on this has not changed: we want our fans to come to the footy and be themselves and feel safe in barracking.

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"Our supporters should never feel that security staff are there for any other reason than to ensure a safe day at the footy."

Marvel Stadium management have said they went too far with a heightened level of security at games at the venue at the weekend.

"There is a view in the last week or so the measures that have been taken are too dramatic," McLachlan said.

I don't want to apportion blame ... some of the measures have meant that people have felt uncomfortable."

WITH AAP