Marquee A-League games in Sydney will lack the visual crowd displays of last year after NSW Police banned supporters unveiling large-scale banners at specific fixtures as part of a clampdown on the behaviour of football fans.

Supporter groups were told large ''pull-over'' banners that cover entire bays would not be permitted at games the police deem ''high-risk'', and any banner greater than two metres by two metres would need prior police approval. These fixtures include three games between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC and Sydney FC's games against Melbourne Victory.

The new restrictions will come into place just hours before the season's kick-off as the police are expected to announce a new joint committee addressing the behaviour of A-league supporters on Friday morning. The committee will also involve the Football Federation of Australia, the NSW Minister of Sport and Recreation, A-League clubs, stadiums and security interests.

It is understood the use of flares earned the ire of senior police officials, who are frustrated many of those who lit flares last season escaped punishment because their identities were obscured by large banners. There are also safety concerns as the large banners would be flammable.