The A-League derby between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory has been abandoned amid chaotic scenes, during a pitch invasion, in which City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was struck in the face and left bloodied.
Glover was hit by a metal bucket used to dispose of flares, as fans from the Victory end stormed onto the pitch, after the 20-minute mark of the game, with City leading 1-0 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
The goalkeeper was escorted off the pitch with blood streaming down the side of his face and referee Alex King found himself surrounded by fans, who had threatened to protest a move to shift the next three A-Leagues Grand Finals to Sydney.
"Such behaviour has no place in Australian football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions will be handed down," said Football Australia.
Glover was reportedly targeted, after throwing a flare that landed on the pitch back into the crowd. His team later said he suffered a suspected concussion in the incident.
A flare also appeared to hit a Network 10 cameraman covering the match. Players and officials left the pitch, and the contest was abandoned, after police were called to control the crowd.
Victory say they are devastated and they condemn the behaviour of their fans.
"The actions that occurred... are not acceptable under any circumstance and have no place in football," Victory said. "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 Glover, King and the camera operator, as well as all players, officials and those who witnessed the appalling behaviour."
The club add it will work with stadium officials and the Victoria Police for a full investigation.
"The Australian Professional League is coordinating with Football Australia regarding the ramifications of these events," said the APL.
Australia's top-flight soccer competitions have sold their title-deciding Grand Finals to Sydney until 2025 in a deal condemned by fans.
Both sets of Melbourne fans originally planned to leave the game at the 20-minute mark to protest the move.
The A-League men and women's competitions have traditionally played their championship deciders at the highest-placed teams' home grounds.
Reuters
