The Melbourne A-League derby has been canceled after a player and referee were injured by a spectator during a pitch trespass.
Fans rushed to the pitch in the 22nd minute of the match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory.
Referee Alex King was trying to shield Man City goalkeeper Tom Glover when both were slashed in the face after being hit in the face by metal buckets.
Glover needed several stitches before being taken to the hospital for an x-ray.
A city statement said Glover, 24, went for “further examination” after being evaluated by the club’s doctor.
A TV cameraman was also injured by flares.
In a statement, Victory said the club was “devastated” and “unequivocally condemns” the “horrible behavior” of fans during Saturday’s game at AAMI Park, where the two clubs shared.
“The actions that took place, which saw spectators enter the field and injure a Melbourne City FC player, an official and a Network 10 cameraman, are unacceptable under any circumstances. and has no place in football,” it continued.
Supporters protested before and during the match, which was initially suspended and then abandoned for player safety reasons.
Protests after Finals move to Sydney
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) announced last week that they have sold the rights to the A-League Finals to Sydney for a fee. next three yearsand as a result protests have been planned at several A-League matches this weekend.
Fans of both Victory and City had planned to walk in 20 minutes but the protest escalated after both groups of fans threw flares onto the pitch.
City were leading 1-0 when Glover appeared to throw flares at the crowd, according to Melbourne’s The Age.
Victoria Police said about 150-200 Victory fans then ran onto the pitch, and Glover and referee King were hit by a bucket used to set off flares, covering them with powder and smoke.
The players, including former Portugal and Manchester United winger Nani, were immediately taken off the pitch and Football Australia said the match was postponed “to protect the integrity of the match.” “.
A statement by Football Australia said “strong sanctions” would be introduced following the “shocking scene”.
“Such conduct has no place in Australian football, and a full investigation by Football Australia will commence immediately,” it added.
An APL statement said: “The Australian Professional League is working with Football Australia on the ramifications of these events.”
‘An absolute disgrace’ – social media reaction
Victoria Police are also investigating the incident, which has been widely criticized on social media.
“I couldn’t believe what happened,” said former Australia midfielder Robbie Slater. “Not the way to protest. Very sad that things have come to this.”
Former Australia goalkeeper Clint Bolton added: “I’ve never felt so embarrassed and empty as I do now.”
The Western United left-back wrote: “It’s an absolute disgrace from the Melbourne Victory fans. Ben Garuccio.
“It’s not what football in this country needs and I hope whoever throws that bucket will be banned from another A-League match.”
Newcastle Jets supporters also staged an outdoor rally 20 minutes after Friday’s home game against Brisbane Roar.
Central Coast Mariners fans did the same during Saturday’s game against Sydney FC, while a group of Sydney FC fans boycotted the Gosford match altogether.
