Vic: Big Merv lays down law to fans

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2007
Vic: Big Merv lays down law to fans

By Greg Roberts

MELBOURNE, Dec 24 AAP - Former Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes has joined emergency
services groups in urging cricket fans to behave well during the traditional Boxing Day
Test.

The message today was: enjoy yourself but don't spoil the day for others, with at least
70,000 people expected at the MCG on Boxing Day to see Australia take on India.

The event has been marred by boozy patrons in the past, and the emergency services
groups also urged people to come along in large numbers but leave alcohol, racism and
the banned Mexican Wave at home.

"Come along, enjoy yourself, but just make sure your enjoyment doesn't disappoint other
people on the day," Hughes told reporters, including a large Indian media contingent,
at the MCG today.

"I think you have to warn people about the behaviour and especially the throwing incidents
(during the Mexican Wave).

"When you throw something up it's got to come down, and many times it hits people and
there's been injuries through that."

Hughes, who is a current Australian cricket team selector and a Victorian who was loved
by local crowds as a player, said he had always found Melbourne cricket fans "fantastic".

"My memories of Boxing Day are of 80,000 mad-keen sports fans, all Victorians, at the
MCG urging the Australian side to do very well and urging the Victorian players in the
side to do just a little bit better than the rest," he said.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said fans that planned to ruin the
day for others - especially through racism - should stay away. But he said there were
still tickets available for those who wanted to enjoy the match.

"I think Australian cricket fans have come to understand what acceptable behaviour
is, and we are not expecting any issues on that front," he said.

Racist crowd behaviour in Mumbai marred Australia's away series against India in October.

Police Superintendent Stephen Leane said a strong police presence would use CCTV cameras
to catch offenders, who they would evict from the ground.

"It's about respecting the rights and enjoyment of other people in the crowd and to
the players so they have the best event possible," he said.

Supt Leane warned patrons who throw projectiles that they face $215 fines, while police
will also visit licensed venues in and around Richmond near the ground to ensure the responsible
serving of alcohol during the first three days of the Test.

St John Ambulance officer Jonathon Cooper urged cricket fans to stay hydrated by drinking
water, and said 60 St John volunteers would be on hand at six first aid rooms at the ground.

AAP gr/jl/mn

KEYWORD: TEST NIGHTLEAD

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