Rowdy boxing fans face weak beer clampdown

MELBOURNE, Mar 22: Your average Australian is known for his love of a beer, but fans at the Commonwealth Games boxing venue face the prospect of a few drops of the low-strength amber nectar after athletes complained of rowdy crowds.

Organisers and Victoria state police have moved to control the boisterous behaviour at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre by banning the sale of full-strength beer at the venue.

Victoria Police chief commissioner Christine Nixon said there had been concerns about the noisy crowds and after discussions with venue managers it was decided to ban premium lager and sell only light beer.

''We just wanted to make sure we got in front of it before it got out of hand,'' said Nixon, adding that several competitors in the Commonwealth boxing programme had complained about the noise.

Medals at the March 15-26 event in Melbourne are awarded in 11 boxing weight divisions with the gold medal bouts on Saturday.

REUTERS