Warning: This story contains graphic language. Discretion is advised.
Watch above: Flames coach Bob Hartley says there’s no place for “stupid” behaviour on the Red Mile.
CALGARY – Calgary police are expecting anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 Flames fans celebrating Saturday night, and are adding officers including RCMP for the upcoming home playoff game as a result.
Flames coach Bob Hartley reacted strongly when asked about the “negative behaviour” on the Red Mile at a press conference on Friday.
Supt. Ray Robitaille said there have been a “small number of investigations on the criminal side” considering that there have been up to 6,000 people on 17 Avenue S.W. during games so far. One person was charged with impaired driving after a game, and an investigation into an assault with a weapon occurred after Game 3.
“The 17 Avenue quarter…that’s where we have the greatest concentration of officers,” said Robitaille.
Robitaille said investigations are ongoing into the recent media trend that involves people grabbing microphones from TV reporters and yelling “F—k her right in the p—y” during live reports.
READ MORE: #SafeRedMile? Obscene FHRITP trend spurs ‘pussy cats consent’ team
Hartley said the Flames organization treats female reporters with respect, and hopes the public will do the same.
“Those are our people, so that’s plain stupid, and that they use our players’ names on top of this—I just can’t believe it,” he said.
“But at the same time, I’m sure it’s just a very little group and I’d like someone to just kick their… you know… for me.”
Robitaille said no one has been charged so far, but that the incidents could result in criminal charges.
Robitaille acknowledged it may be more challenging to immediately arrest offenders, but said suspects are putting their face out “for the public to see…and that’s going to be out there for us to investigate.”
“The real tragedy around this is some people think that’s humour. It’s not humour. That’s not just my opinion, I would suggest that’s unanimous amongst any civilized person,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who aren’t bad people but they’re saying it because they’re drunk. So don’t go down there saying that.”
The security update follows Thursday’s announcement that there would be no parking along the Red Mile for the remaining Flames games.
READ MORE: No parking on the Red Mile for rest of Flames playoff games
Police said no parking will be permitted on 17 Ave. S.W. between 2 St. S.W. and 14 St. S.W. between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. on game days to “enhance pedestrian and motor vehicle safety.” Any vehicles parked there after 7 p.m. will be towed at the owner’s expense.
A mobile command centre was set up behind Western Canada High School Thursday evening for Game 5, so police could keep a close eye on crowds.
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