Melbourne Victory condemns ‘appalling’ Melbourne derby violence
Fans invaded the pitch during Melbourne derby, resulting in keeper Tom Glover being assaulted.
Following a violent pitch invasion during the Melbourne derby which resulted in Melbourne City goalie
Tom Gloverbeing injured, Football Australia promised “strong sanctions” towards those responsible.
Tensions grew when during the first half both sets of fans started throwing flares on the pitch. One such flare hit a pitch-side cameraman before exploding and another was thrown back to the fans by Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover which resulted in fans storming the pitch.
Tom Glover was then hit by a metal bin with
Cityclaiming that he “likely has a concussion” after being taken under medical care.
Football Australia called the incident “shocking” while match officials decided to abandon applauding the match. Melbourne Victory whose fans had assaulted Glover, also condemned their action.
"Such behaviour has no place in Australian football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions will be handed down."
A statement from Football Australia read.
While
Melbourne Victoryreleased their own statement, which read: "
Tonight, Melbourne Victory Football Club is devastated. The club unequivocally condemns the actions of fans at Saturday night's match against Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
"The actions that occurred, that saw spectators enter the pitch and injure a Melbourne City FC player, an official and a Network Ten cameraman, are not acceptable under any circumstance and have no place in football.
"The security and welfare of everyone involved in a football match is paramount and the club will not accept this behaviour.
"The club would like to formally apologise to Tom Glover, match official Alex King and the camera operator as well as all players, officials and those who witnessed the appalling behaviour.
"This conduct will not be tolerated and the club, along with AAMI Park and Victoria Police, will undertake a full investigation into the incident.
"Melbourne Victory would like to reiterate there is no place in football for what was witnessed tonight."
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