Manly have vowed to step up game-day security after footage of fans skolling beer and running into each other at full speed behind the main hill at 4 Pines Park was watched more than 200,000 times on social media.
Sea Eagles officials were grateful nobody was seriously hurt, but vowed to crack down on anyone partaking in ‘Run It Straight’, a growing trend on social media which involves two people running at each other as fast as they can in the hope of them being knocked out, at future home games.
Last week, a teenager in New Zealand died after slamming head-on into another person in a backyard.
Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed there were five ‘triple calls’ – serious incidents that required an immediate response from security – made in eight minutes approaching full-time.
Two incidents involved pitch invaders, while a fight broke out in the same area behind the hill where fans were tackling each other.
Around 70 security personnel, including those wearing plain clothes on the hill, and a further 70 event staff were working on Saturday.
Nathan Brown is no fan of the antics of some Manly fans.Credit: James Brickwood/SMH
Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov was unimpressed by the footage and said: “It’s crazy that people will do this type of thing when they know how dangerous and potentially life-threatening it is.
“We will ensure our security is more vigilant in patrolling this outside zone after full-time, at all future home games.
“Any spectators who breach our rules by engaging in this type of behaviour will be banned. Full stop. As a club, we will continue to make the match day experience at 4 Pines Park one that is safe and enjoyable for all.”
Manly forward Nathan Brown has become a cult hero with Sea Eagles fans for coming off the back fence and returning the ball at full steam into opposition forwards, but was another unimpressed by the footage that was being circulated.
At least one Sea Eagles player had “liked” footage being circulated online.
“It’s pretty dangerous, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone doing that,” Brown said.
“I’ve seen some of the videos. It’s not fun, and only bad things can happen. Hopefully, it stops. My advice is to cut it out and ban it.”
The Sea Eagles had a light training run on Monday ahead of Thursday’s clash against Newcastle.
Tom Trbojevic did not train with the main group, and is still no guarantee to return from a quad strain to play the Knights. His brother Jake, however, will return from concussion, while skipper Daly Cherry-Evans is also likely to play, which will be his third game in eight days.
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