Australian police have released images of people they want to find after ‘shocking’ violence broke out at a football match.
Fans swarmed the pitch and the Melbourne City goalkeeper was hit in the face with a bucket full of sand and had to be hospitalized.
The problem broke in the derby against Melbourne Victory on Saturdaywith players and the referee fleeing through the tunnel.
Victoria Police said more than 150 people rushed to the field and a “significant number of flares were lit and hurled through the crowd”.
Two people were injured by the bucket – goalkeeper Tom Glover and referee Alex King, while a cameraman suffered bruises and burnt clothes after a rocket hit the back of his head.
Police are also investigating cases of assault and criminal damage and have released photos of people who “may be able to assist with investigations”.
Detectives are working with clubs and football authorities to track down those who may have been involved in Operation Astute.
“What we saw last night from those who chose to invade the field was shocking, shameful and completely disrespectful to the game of football,” Superintendent Jason Goddard said.
“I am a lover of the game and I am really sad about what I saw being played out on the pitch last night.”
Mr Goddard said he had “no doubt we will be knocking on a few doors soon”.
On Saturday, Football Australia – the game’s governing body – said the scenes at AAMI Park were “shocking”.
He added: “Such behavior has no place in Australian rules football, with a full investigation by Football Australia due to begin immediately, where strong penalties will be issued.”
