New Zealand rugby fans have slammed security at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after being asked to remove their banners supporting Christchurch, during the Crusaders' match against the Waratahs.
The All Blacks Supporters Club of Sydney uploaded photos of the banners, which stated: "Christchurch Strong #LOVEOVERHATE" and "Kia Kaha Chch" to show support for the victims of last week's mosque attacks, which left 50 dead.
But they were left fuming when security reportedly asked them to take them down.
"So was just told by @SCGTrustMedia @scg to take down our banners of support for the victims of the CHCH Attack by SCG security," the club wrote on Twitter.
"Sometimes somethings [sic] are bigger than a game, this was one and you got it wrong."
The match was the Crusaders' first since the shootings, after their fixture against the Highlanders was cancelled.
SCG officials have yet to comment, but their website says there are restrictions on banners that can be displayed in the stadium.
"Any flag poles over 1.5 m in length or flags/banners over 1-meter x 1 meter in size" are prohibited from the venue, as are "any flags or banners which contain text or images which the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust consider offensive, discriminatory or intimidating in nature."
Earlier, the SCG Twitter account shared a post saying "We stand with NZ".
On the field, the Waratahs ended the Crusaders' 19-game win streak in a 20-12 win.
The loss was tough for Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who was desperate to win for the people of Christchurch.
"It's a tough week but, look, we're Crusaders; we don't make excuses," said Robertson.
"We were really desperate to play well and represent our people and show how much we care.
"And you could see how hard we worked, but I think we dropped enough ball for the whole season."
Newshub.
