Western derby 52: Fans locked out of Optus Stadium clash between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers

Today’s western derby will go ahead – but no crowd will be permitted at Optus Stadium.

Premier Mark McGowan this morning announced the decision to stage the match behind closed doors, in the wake of yesterday’s revelation that a hotel security guard and two of his housemates had tested positive to COVID-19.

MORE:

“I understand people will be disappointed, some people will be frustrated,” Mr McGowan said.

“But the decision has been made on health advice and we have tried to communicate this as quickly as possible.”

Mr McGowan said the health advice indicated holding the match with the previously planned 75 per cent capacity crowd was “too big of a risk today”.

“Having 45,000 people in the same location and all of the crushing getting into the stadium – we judged it was too high risk,” he said.

“It’s a tough decision. I know a lot of people love the derby. It’s a great spectacle.”

“It’s better to miss out on a football game, as important as that is, then have cases in the stadium or cases in the crush getting into the stadium, and potentially spread the virus.”

It will mark just the third WA match – and the first derby clash – to be held in front of no fans.

The fixture is a West Coast home game, with the club set to reach out to members with further information.

“Like you, we are disappointed that our members won’t be able to attend the match today; however, your safety and that of your family is paramount,” the club tweeted.

Ticketmaster will refund fans who purchased tickets for the clash.

The game will be broadcast live on Seven from 2.30pm this afternoon.

An Optus Stadium statement said the venue looked forward to the return of fans “as soon as health conditions allow”.

“Although this will cause disappointment for those planning to attend, the health of our community must always be the priority,” the statement read.