Boozing fans must lighten up

2006-03-22 16:46

Melbourne - Police have called time on big boozing boxing fans at the Commonwealth Games by forcing them to drink light beer.

Organisers, as well as some competitors, were so concerned by rowdiness among the crowd that all strong beers have been banned from the Melbourne exhibition centre venue and replaced by weaker ones.

Victoria state police commissioner Christine Nixon said the same measure had been employed at the rugby sevens at the Telstra Dome last week.

"People hold light beer better," said Nixon.

"Some competitors and spectators were concerned about rowdiness and that the situation might get out of hand.

"We thought that having light beers was a better way of managing the process."

John Harnden, the chief executive of the organising committee, backed the measures.

"It was a proactive move," he said. "We were concerned that people at the boxing were a little more exuberant."

A police spokesperson later said eight fans had been thrown out of the boxing venue in the first five days of competition.

- AFP