Three men who allegedly took part in a mass pitch invasion of an A-League match on Saturday have been charged over the incident after handing themselves into police.
More than 150 spectators stormed AAMI Park field on Saturday night during the first half of the match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne FC.
Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover and referee Alex King were injured – Glover struck with a metal bucket full of sand in what Victoria Police called a “disgraceful” display. A cameraman was also allegedly struck in the back of a head with a flare.
A 23-year-old has been charged in relation to Mr Glover being hit in the head with a bucket full of sand.
The Craigieburn man has been charged with violent disorder, discharge missile, intent to cause injury, recklessly cause injury, unlawful assault, entry to sporting competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
A 19-year-old Meadow Heights man was charged with a separate alleged assault on Mr Glover as well as an alleged assault on a security guard.
He has been charged with violent disorder, discharge missile, three counts of unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, riotous behaviour, discharge and possess flare.
He has been charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
The three men handed themselves in to various police stations on Monday and have received bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court in February.
Police have also revealed the alleged details of what occurred in the stadium during the pitch invasion.
Around 50 flares were lit in the stands, with at least three thrown onto the field, police say.
Two security guards were also injured and approximately $120,000 worth of damage was allegedly caused to the venue.
Officers from the Public Order Response Team allegedly had bottles thrown at them when responding to the incident.Police have released images of men they wish to speak to, with a spokesman saying they may be able to assist with investigations.
“What we saw last night from those who chose to invade the pitch was shocking, disgraceful and lacked total respect for the game of football,” Acting Superintendent Jason Goddard said on Sunday.
Superintendent Goddard was scathing in his assessment of the “disgusting” behaviour.
He warned police had a number of active and ongoing inquiries to make after seeing vision of the incidents and the men allegedly involved.
“Detectives from our Northwest Metro Regional Crime Squad are working hard and I have no doubt we’ll be knocking on a few doors soon,” he said.
“I’m a lover of the game and I actually feel sad about what I saw play out on the pitch last night.”
Police and thousands of supporters have condemned the behaviour on what has been called footballs ‘night of shame’.
The match was abandoned as the fans took to the field in a bid to “protect the integrity of the match”, Football Australia said.
In a statement, they said such behaviour has “no place” in Australian football.
They promised “strong sanctions” against those alleged to have been involved.