Men armed with giant wooden poles strike and kick a defenceless footy fan on the ground as violence erupts at Melbourne soccer match

Police are investigating a violent brawl that took place after a football match between rival clubs in Melbourne, during which a man was beaten to the ground with large sticks.

The altercation broke out in the Northcote FC car park on Friday evening following the match between Preston Lions Football Club and Northcote Football Club.

A video recorded at the time shows a group of men arguing before the violence erupts.

Moments later you see a man lying defenseless on the ground while others hit him with what appear to be large sticks.

“Oi guys, stop with the sticks,” you hear the man say.

“Enough with the sticks!” a woman shouts.

Another man is then seen kicking the man in the head to the ground as a woman screams off camera.

The beating continues for several more seconds before the video abruptly stops.

Seven News reported that a witness said the victim was antagonizing rival supporters before the confrontation.

Victoria Police confirmed in a statement that they were investigating the violent incident News Corp.

“Emergency services were called to Clarendon St at around 10.30pm following reports of a group of men fighting,” a spokesperson said.

‘On arrival they found a man in his 20s with a head wound.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment.”

Football Victoria (FV) said they were also investigating the incident.

A man lying on the ground was repeatedly kicked and beaten with large sticks by others

“FV condemns all forms of anti-social behavior and violence… Both this behavior and the individuals involved have no place in our game,” a spokesperson said.

‘FV has contacted both clubs, who join FV in condemning the behavior and will cooperate fully with the investigation.’