December 19 – Football Australia said it will “weed out” those responsible for an unprecedented pitch invasion that plunged the sport into disgrace just weeks after the admirable World Cup performances by the national team.
The Melbourne derby had to be abandoned on Saturday after 150 to 200 Melbourne Victory fans ran on to the pitch in the 22nd minute.
Melbourne City player Tom Glover and the referee were hit by a metal bucket, City goalkeeper Glover suffered a concussion and “severe lacerations” to his face while a TV cameraman was also hurt.
“This is an element that goes beyond football. It’s an element that infiltrates our game and that really try to ruin it for the two million people [in Australia] who love our sport. We will be moving swiftly and taking the strongest sanctions available,” said FA chief executive James Johnson
Melbourne Victory’s managing director Caroline Carnegie said the club would assist a police investigation and apologised to Glover, King and the camera operator.
“There’s no place at our club, no place in the game, no place in the league, for that sort of behaviour,” she said.
Fans of both teams had planned a walk-out as part of protests against the decision to sell the A-League Grand Final rights to Sydney for the next three years.
But the protest escalated with flares being thrown on to the pitch by both sets of supporters. Spectators then rushed on to the field.
“Our game is in tatters. An absolute disgrace what happened,” said Australia goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, who plays for Central Coast Mariners.
“Cannot believe we are here after such an amazing World Cup and so much potential to see our game grow. Irreparable damage done. Darkest day for football in Australia.”
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