An A-League derby game in Australia was scrapped after fans stormed the pitch injuring a goalkeeper in an ugly scene on Saturday.
Video shows the chaos that erupts after a flare lands on the pitch, with fans spilling onto the pitch and around match official Alex King and Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover.
Moments later, a fan threw what appeared to be a metal trash can at Glover’s head.
City said Glover received medical attention and “probably” had a concussion. The club said later Glover needed multiple stitches for a facial laceration and was taken to hospital for further examinations.
Melbourne City were leading 1-0 against Melbourne Victory in the first half when the mayhem began at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Subsequently, Melbourne Victory ‘condemned’ the actions and apologized to Glover, the official and a cameraman.
“The actions that occurred, which saw spectators enter the pitch and injure a Melbourne City FC player, an official and a Network Ten cameraman, are not acceptable under any circumstances and have no place in the football,” the club said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of everyone involved in a football match is paramount and the Club will not condone this behaviour.
“The Club would like to formally apologize to Tom Glover, match official, Alex King and the cameraman as well as all players, officials and others who witnessed this appalling behavior. This conduct will not be tolerated and the Club , together with AAMI Park and Victoria Police, will undertake a full investigation into the incident.
The City of Melbourne said it would issue a statement “in due course”.
According to the Australian Professional League (APL), fans had threatened to protest the news that the next three major A-League finals were moving to Sydney.
Football Australia says it will investigate the incident “immediately”.
“Such behavior has no place in Australian rules football, with a full Football Australia investigation due to begin immediately, where strong penalties will be imposed,” Football Australia said in a statement.
The APL added: “The Australian Professional League (APL) is coordinating with Football Australia (FA) regarding the ramifications of these events.”
