MELBOURNE: An Australian League A The clash between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City was scrapped on Saturday after “shocking” scenes when fans stormed the pitch and attacked a goalkeeper, who suffered a suspected concussion.
The game was called off in the first half after a fan protest against a decision this week by league bosses to award the Grand Finals series to Sydney for the next three years turned violent.
Supporters of both teams were planning to exit in the 20th minute but Victory fans turned on the City keeper Tom Glover after appearing to launch a flare towards them.
Dozens swarmed the pitch and one grabbed a metal bucket and shoved it in his face as scuffles broke out.
Play was halted and both teams left the field with the match abandoned.
“Tom Glover is receiving medical treatment in the locker room and likely has a concussion,” City tweeted, along with photos showing a gash on his face.
The game was called off in the first half after a fan protest against a decision this week by league bosses to award the Grand Finals series to Sydney for the next three years turned violent.
Supporters of both teams were planning to exit in the 20th minute but Victory fans turned on the City keeper Tom Glover after appearing to launch a flare towards them.
Dozens swarmed the pitch and one grabbed a metal bucket and shoved it in his face as scuffles broke out.
Play was halted and both teams left the field with the match abandoned.
“Tom Glover is receiving medical treatment in the locker room and likely has a concussion,” City tweeted, along with photos showing a gash on his face.
Update: Tom Glover is receiving medical treatment in the locker room and likely has a concussion.#MCYvMVC | #MelbDerby
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) 1671269065000
A referee was also injured, soccer australia said.
“Following shocking scenes… where Melbourne Victory FC fans entered the pitch, Football Australia match officials have abandoned the game,” he said.
“Such behavior has no place in Australian rules football, with a full Football Australia investigation due to begin immediately, where severe penalties will be imposed.”
