This afternoon’s AFL Western Derby in Perth will be played in front of empty stands because of the city’s latest COVID-19 scare.
Key points:
- Only essential staff and players will be allowed at Perth Stadium for the clash between West Coast and Fremantle
- Premier Mark McGowan said having 45,000 people in the stadium was “too much of a risk” after three new cases of COVID-19
- Fans who bought tickets will receive refunds from Ticketmaster
Perth Stadium was set to be three-quarters full for the marquee match between West Coast and Fremantle, which comes a week after fans were barred from attending a clash between the Dockers and North Melbourne at the same venue.
However, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced on Sunday morning that would no longer be the case.
The change comes after a hotel security guard and two of his close contacts tested positive to COVID-19.
“I understand people will be disappointed and some people will be frustrated,” Mr McGowan said.
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“The decision has been made on health advice and we have tried to communicate this as quickly as possible.
The state government has opted against another snap lockdown, but Mr McGowan cautioned that “if we need to go back into lockdown we will”.
“That decision will be based on the latest health advice,” he told reporters.
West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett had already estimated that not having full capacity for the Eagles’ home game would cost the club about $500,000.
This will be the first time a home and away match between the two Western Australian rivals has been held without fans.
The AFL put out a statement confirming only essential staff and players would be allowed at Perth Stadium, with staff and officials needing to wear masks.
“The health and safety of everyone in the game and the wider community remains the priority as we continue to navigate the pandemic,” AFL executive general manager of football operations Steve Hocking said.
“The AFL thanks all supporters for their understanding as we continue to be led by the advice of governments and health officials.”
The league said Ticketmaster would provide refunds for any fans who had bought tickets to the game.
The AFL has navigated the opening seven rounds of this season with limited coronavirus-related disruptions, although the Brisbane Lions spent several rounds in Victoria because of a lockdown in their home city.
Another lockdown in Perth would affect the ease of interstate travel in the coming week, delivering a knock-on effect for the league.
The Eagles are slated to tackle Hawthorn at the MCG in round eight, while the Dockers host Brisbane in Perth.
North Melbourne returned home after their recent trip to Perth, but had to wait until Wednesday to get the green light to host Sunday’s clash with Melbourne in Hobart.
AAP/ABC
