A-League fans stage walkout after police trouble as officers are accused of ‘shoving kids around for singing songs’ in ugly scenes

Brisbane’s star signing Marco Rojas scored a double in a 3-2 win over his former A-League Men club Melbourne Victory as Roar supporters group The Den staged a walkout at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

The Den left the arena in the 25th minute – shortly after Rojas had scored the opener – in protest after fans had an altercation with police en route.

Fan footage showed Queensland police officers appearing to push young supporters, while Twitter users claimed they were pushed ‘for singing songs’.

‘Hey @brisbaneroar @QldThe police are going to do something about cops pushing kids around?’ one fan asked.

“Well, I feel much safer knowing that the police are yelling at teenagers for singing songs,” said a second fan.

“I hope the police will be really proud that he’s addressing a teenager because he’s singing songs.” added another.

A fourth fan posted: ‘The treatment of young football fans at @brisbaneroar today was absolutely disgraceful.

‘Children being pushed around just because they sing and sing. When I told a police officer that ‘they’re just kids who enjoy football’, she shouted that people like me are the problem.”

A Queensland Police spokesperson told Ny Breaking Australia: ‘Police have issued a citation to a 17-year-old boy and a 27-year-old man following alleged anti-social behavior in Milton this afternoon, March 3.

‘It is alleged that the duo were part of a large group of spectators who engaged in anti-social behavior and ignored directions from security staff prior to the start of a sporting event in the area.

‘Enquiries are continuing and anyone with relevant CCTV or mobile phone access is urged to contact police.

‘In a separate incident, a 16-year-old boy was arrested for disorderly conduct in Milton this afternoon after allegedly lighting a flare. He is being dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.

‘On the whole, however, police were largely satisfied with the behavior of the public at this afternoon’s event.

“The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping spectators safe and will always ensure a strong police presence prior to, during and after sporting events.”

Veteran Rojas, in his first ever start for the Roar, scored his first goal for the club with a calm, looping header after 18-year-old Thomas Waddingham’s shot was deflected by Victory goalkeeper Paul Izzo.

Victory’s Zinedine Machach equalized with a cracker, creating a scythe down the left and unleashing just inside the penalty area with a shot that gave Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke no chance.

Rojas’ second goal was pure class as he unleashed a diving header against the far post after an inch-perfect pass from Keegan Jelacic in the 56th minute.

He was substituted not long afterwards, but an alert Waddingham stepped up and tapped in after Henry Hore’s shot was deflected by Izzo.

Roaring acting head coach Ruben Zadkovich said it was “terrifying” how much more Rojas had to offer.

Fans were unhappy with the treatment by Queensland Police before kick-off

The Roar defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 at Suncorp Stadium (pictured left, Marco Walen celebrating after scoring for Brisbane)

“I thought he was good at times and I thought he still has a lot to improve,” Zadkovich said.

‘He’s been out of action for a while. But in recent weeks he has really started working in training.’

Journeyman Roly Bonevacia sniffed Victory when he came off the bench and scored with a precision shot in the 86th minute on his club debut.

The Roar remain in the final hunt on 25 points. They are three points behind sixth-placed Western Sydney but have played an extra match.

The win ranks fourth and never got going against the Roar in hot and humid conditions.

“It was tough conditions,” Victory coach Tony Popovic said, “but today it was a poor defensive effort from us.

Fans took to social media to criticize the way Queensland Police handled the situation

‘We scored two goals, but I can’t remember conceding three such soft goals this year.’

Rojas was the star of the afternoon, with his composure and silky touch on the ball crucial.

There was plenty of drama in the sultry scene as a group of 30 to 40 supporters, sitting in the seats of The Den on the north side of the stadium, left.

Video of fans pushing and shoving with police was previously posted on social media site X. You hear a police officer say ‘that kind of behavior will not be tolerated’.

Zadkovich was unaware of The Den’s departure.

“It’s the first I’ve heard of it, but our fans are fantastic and their support is exactly what we need here at home,” he said.