Socceroos fans rejoice.
Victoria’s Premier has reversed a decision to not show upcoming Socceroos World Cup matches at Federation Square.
“I disagree with the decision and I am overturning it,” Jacinta Allan said.
The reversal comes after the move received huge backlash from fans, ex-Socceroos and even Matildas star Sam Kerr.
Kerr took to her Instagram story on Wednesday and responded to the news with a: “Booooooooooo”.
“Yesterday, Melbourne Arts Precinct decided that Fed Square won’t show Socceroos matches on the big screen,” Ms Allan said.
“The government will ensure Fed Square has the support it needs to put on the matches this year.
“There’s always a risk of bad behaviour from a few d--kheads at every public gathering, but police and security will be on site, and there’ll be zero tolerance for it.
“The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart. Good luck Socceroos – Victoria is behind you.”
Flares that injured several fans and caused the fire brigade to get involved were set off during a screening of Australia v Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
Arrests were also made.
Football Australia said it was “extremely disappointed” by the initial announcement but spoke with the Victorian government to help overturn the decision.
Sports broadcaster Adam Peacock told SEN: “You can stick that so far up where it is impossible to retrieve it’s not funny.
“That is one of the most myopic, baseless, stupid decisions that I can think of. I can only think it’s because of the sport that’s being played, football.”
More to come
Originally published as Fed Square to show Socceroos games for upcoming World Cup
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails