The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says two soccer fans have been banned for a year after smoke-emitting flares was set off in BC Place stadium during the match between Egypt and New Zealand Sunday.
Sgt. Adam Donaldson tells 1130 NewsRadio there were around five people ejected from the match, which he says it typical for large sporting events.
In fact, during some large concerts, it is possible to see between 20 and 25 ejections, he says.
“It is important to note that it’s up to the event organizers who decides who is ejected from BC Place, and in that event, security carries out that ejection.”
Fortunately, according to Donaldson, there were no reported assaults and no arrests.
“No one was taken into police custody,” he said.
“Police are just there inside the stadium to enforce criminal code or other legislation.”
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Unlike at the stadium, however, there were around 10 arrests in the Granville Entertainment District.
“Eight of those arrests were for breach of peace related to alcohol and fighting and intoxication,” he said.
“There was only one arrest for an assault. This was a domestic situation involving an intoxicated couple, where the woman was actually arrested for assaulting her boyfriend.”
He says this is typical of a Saturday night in the summer during a large event, but police plan to increase their presence in that area during future matches.
Donaldson says setting off flares is common in stadiums in other parts of the world, but it doesn’t fly at BC Place.
He reminds soccer fans, in particular those coming from outside of B.C. or even from out-of country who may not be aware of the province’s liquor laws, that consuming alcohol in public is not permitted.
“If you’re here and you’re walking down the street with a beer on Granville Street and you get stopped by a police officer, you may get a fine and that fine can be up to $230.”
— With files from David Nadalini