The AFL has clarified that fans are entitled to display national flags at matches, and apologised for the confusion that followed after an Israeli flag was flown at Marvel Stadium.
The clarification came after the national flag was flown last weekend in celebration of North Melbourne player Harry Sheezel’s stunning debut at Saturday’s clash against West Coast.
It resulted in confusion about what is permitted to be shown at venues under conditions of entry.
“For clarity, the AFL has no issue with the flag and signs supporting North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel on the weekend,” a statement released by the AFL said.
“We want fans to celebrate their clubs and players, and if that includes displaying national flags that amplify any of their team’s player heritage then the AFL is fully supportive.”
The clarification follows an email sent by an AFL employee on Tuesday in response to a fan’s complaint.
The league said the response was a misinterpretation of the league’s conditions of entry.
The email seen by The Age was sent by a patron to the AFL’s inclusion manager, Tanya Hosch on Monday, complaining that flying the flag undermined the game.
The AFL’s security lead, Alistair Meldrum, responded to that email, agreeing the flag breached the league’s conditions of entry and should not have been allowed into the venue.
Read the article by Carla Jaeger in The Age.