Police want to speak to a man who may be able to assist with investigations into an assault with a metal bucket. Photo / Supplied via Victoria Police
Police want to speak to a man who may be able to assist with investigations into an assault with a metal bucket. Photo / Supplied via Victoria Police
Police have warned they will be “knocking on a few doors” imminently as they ramp up their investigations into a wild pitch invasion during an A-League Derby match.
Wild scenes captured hundreds of spectators storming AAMI Park field on Saturday night as Melbourne Victory and Melbourne FC took to the field in the first half of the A-League match.
Some allegedly deployed flares.
North West Metro Regional Crime Squad detectives are invetigating a mass pitch invasion during the A-League derby match at AAMI Park. Photo / Supplied via Victoria Police
Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover and referee Alex King were injured after allegedly being struck with a metal bucket full of sand, in what Victoria Police have called a “disgraceful” display.
A cameraman was allegedly struck in the back of a head with a flare, resulting in contusion and burnt clothing.
Police have released images of men they wish to speak to, with a spokesman saying they may be able to assist with investigations.
Police want to speak to one man who may be able to assist with investigations into an alleged unlawful assault. Photo / Supplied via Victoria Police
“What we saw last night from those who chose to invade the pitch was shocking, disgraceful and lacked total respect for the game of football,” Acting Superintendent Jason Goddard said on Sunday.
Goddard was scathing in his assessment of the “disgusting” behaviour.
While no arrests have been made, he warned police had a number of active and ongoing inquiries to make after seeing vision of the incidents and the men allegedly involved.
Goddard warned charges could soon be laid.
“Detectives from our Northwest Metro Regional Crime Squad are working hard and I have no doubt we’ll be knocking on a few doors soon,” he said.
Police want to speak to a man who may be able to assist with investigations into an assault with a flare on a cameraman. Photo / Supplied via Victoria Police
“I’m a lover of the game and I actually feel sad about what I saw play out on the pitch last night.”
Police and thousands of supporters have condemned the behaviour on what has been called football’s “night of shame”.
The match was abandoned as the fans took to the field in a bid to “protect the integrity of the match”, Football Australia said.
In a statement, it said such behaviour has “no place” in Australian football.
It promised “strong sanctions” against those alleged to have been involved.
