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Guess Farr forgot he isn't allowed into Horsham pubs?
24 September 2007View all news | Send to a friend | Print Flag party soured
By DEAN LAWSON
POLICE are investigating an incident in Horsham on Saturday night which led to a confrontation between officers and Horsham Football Club supporters.
Sergeant Michael Salter said police, who were taking part in an operation as part of broad crack- down on Horsham crime, detained a man during the incident.
He said the incident happened about 9pm after police had gone to a Horsham hotel with information a patron banned from Horsham hotels under Horsham Liquor Accord was inside.
"When members attended police were confronted by a number of people," Sgt Salter said. "Another individual became directly involved. It escalated from that point and a number of other police units were directed to attend. The incident will be further investigated."
The incident occurred inside and outside the White Hart Hotel where Horsham players, officials and supporters had gathered to celebrate a Wimmera Football League premiership.
Horsham club chairman Bruce Hartigan, who was at the scene, questioned the police action, describing it as `overkill'.
"We've done nothing wrong. We were enjoying ourselves in grand-final celebrations, as you do, and we've had a situation of over-kill policing," he said.
"We try to do everything right as far as rules and regulations go and work hard with police. I understand they have a job and role to play - that's fantastic. We have nothing but respect for the police.
"But we have a great social club that drags kids off the street and out of trouble and gives them a commonsense approach to establish life values. And what do we get? We get treated like this?"
Mr Hartigan said the incident had soured what should have been night of celebration and many club members feared they had become the target of over-zealous police action.
"I personally want to talk to the police to see where we're going wrong, because we can't see it," he said. Sgt Salter said extra police were on duty on Saturday night as part of the operation. "It wasn't because there was a grand final during the day. It involved a number of issues and is about curbing the number of damages and assaults on Saturday nights and early Sunday mornings. And these operations will continue," he said.
By DEAN LAWSON
POLICE are investigating an incident in Horsham on Saturday night which led to a confrontation between officers and Horsham Football Club supporters.
Sergeant Michael Salter said police, who were taking part in an operation as part of broad crack- down on Horsham crime, detained a man during the incident.
He said the incident happened about 9pm after police had gone to a Horsham hotel with information a patron banned from Horsham hotels under Horsham Liquor Accord was inside.
"When members attended police were confronted by a number of people," Sgt Salter said. "Another individual became directly involved. It escalated from that point and a number of other police units were directed to attend. The incident will be further investigated."
The incident occurred inside and outside the White Hart Hotel where Horsham players, officials and supporters had gathered to celebrate a Wimmera Football League premiership.
Horsham club chairman Bruce Hartigan, who was at the scene, questioned the police action, describing it as `overkill'.
"We've done nothing wrong. We were enjoying ourselves in grand-final celebrations, as you do, and we've had a situation of over-kill policing," he said.
"We try to do everything right as far as rules and regulations go and work hard with police. I understand they have a job and role to play - that's fantastic. We have nothing but respect for the police.
"But we have a great social club that drags kids off the street and out of trouble and gives them a commonsense approach to establish life values. And what do we get? We get treated like this?"
Mr Hartigan said the incident had soured what should have been night of celebration and many club members feared they had become the target of over-zealous police action.
"I personally want to talk to the police to see where we're going wrong, because we can't see it," he said. Sgt Salter said extra police were on duty on Saturday night as part of the operation. "It wasn't because there was a grand final during the day. It involved a number of issues and is about curbing the number of damages and assaults on Saturday nights and early Sunday mornings. And these operations will continue," he said.