Former Aussie stadium worker reveals the truth behind the Taylor Swift concert message that left Americans stunned
- Americans were shocked by ‘report antisocial behavior’ signs
- Signs have been on Australian sports fields for ten years
- Stadium employee reveals that most complaints are about referees
A former Aussie stadium worker has lifted the lid on the ‘anti-social behaviour’ signs displayed at Taylor Swift’s concerts in Sydney, revealing that most of the messages received following the display are anything but serious in nature .
Footage from Taylor Swift’s recent concert at the MCG went viral after American Swifties spotted a message at Accor Stadium reading ‘report anti-social behaviour’ next to a telephone number that spectators can call or text to make complaints.
The signs have been featured in stadiums and major sporting and music events in Australia for the past decade and are intended to help the public report bad behaviour.
Many Taylor Swift fans were shocked by signs they said showed Australia is a ‘police state’.
‘Oh my God! That’s terribly scary. I’ve never seen anything so terrifying when it’s not just a meme,” one user wrote.
Australia was condemned as a ‘police state’ by some Swift fans after fans spotted a ‘report anti-social behaviour’ sign at the superstar’s concert in Sydney (pictured)
“I saw that, it gave me goosebumps,” replied another, while another said: “They gave up their guns and are now paying for them.”
However, a former stadium employee has provided new insight into why people actually call and message the number on the billboard.
“I remember working at the SCG and seeing these text messages coming in,” wrote X user James Colley.
‘It was 95% complaints about the ref. “There’s a daylight robbery going on”, “some jerk with a whistle is ruining the game for everyone” etc – a wonderful piece of Australian culture.
Colley’s tweet went down well with Australian sports fans who had a great day with the unveiling.
“That’s exactly why Australia is the best country in the world,” one user replied.
“I’ll tell you what’s antisocial, the price of bloody beer at the MCG,” said another.
“I remember a friend texting ‘Shane Watson’ to the line during a sparsely attended ODI (one-day international match),” a third replied, referring to the former Australian cricket star.
A former stadium worker says sports fans would message the anti-social behavior hotline to complain about referees rather than serious incidents in the crowd (Photo: Roosters fans support their team)
Meanwhile, the NRL has introduced a spectator code of conduct that will lead to a stronger response to crowd misconduct.
The code of conduct will be a key tool in tackling audience misconduct, with customers warned that they face penalties ranging from being kicked out of the venue to a lifetime ban for breaking the rules.
Under the new guidelines, the NRL confirmed there was a ‘zero tolerance approach to any form of racial discrimination and racial vilification’, while fans were warned not to throw bottles or other projectiles onto the field or stands.
One of the minimum expectations for the new season is that spectators may not use obscene or threatening language, interfere with players or officials at matches, throw or kick projectiles, or interfere with employees working on the grounds where their team plays.