Melbourne Victory A-league fan group responsible for pitch invasion announce return to AAMI Park
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The Melbourne Victory fan group responsible for the strike that turned into a shocking pitch invasion announces that it will return to the scene of the crime: ‘We will always be there!’
- Original Style Melbourne ‘fans’ to attend clash against Sydney FC
- Will sit in Bay 33 at AAMI Park, behind the North End goals out of bounds
- On December 17, during the Melbourne derby, a wild pitching invasion unfolded
- Melbourne Victory fined a record $550,000 for fan conduct
A-League officials are said to be on edge after Melbourne Victory’s rebel supporter group ‘Original Style Melbourne’ confirmed they will attend the ‘Big Blue’ against Sydney FC at AAMI Park.
OSM, whose ‘fans’ stormed the field on December 17 during the derby at the same venue and generated international headlines, announced on their social media pages that they will be at the Australia Day fixture.
“As in years past, our presence remains constant despite the results on the pitch and the restrictions in the stands,” a statement on Instagram read.
‘For this match, if you wish to watch the game together with your teammates and the rest of the stands, and not be separated within the active area, we suggest you buy tickets in bay 33 to start, and then to bays 34/35 if necessary.
‘I see them soon. “Forever Melbourne”.
After the dramatic pitch invasion last month, Victory announced that they were “committed to disbanding any active A-League Men supporter groups that were recognized at the time of the incident.”
A-League officials are on edge after Victory’s rebel supporter group ‘Original Style Melbourne’ confirmed they will attend the ‘Big Blue’ game against Sydney FC at AAMI Park (Pictured Tom Glover injured after the invasion of the field on December 17)
OSM announced on their social media pages that they will be going through the gates in the Australia Day match against Sydney FC
OSM supporters will occupy Bay 33 at AAMI Park on Thursday night when Victory take on the Sky Blues.
Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover, referee Alex King, a TV cameraman and two security guards were injured in wild scenes.
The contest was also abandoned due to security fears and will be completed at a later date.
Subsequent penalties handed down included a record $550,000 fine and a suspended 10-point deduction for Victory, who currently sit bottom of the A-League ladder.
Several alleged offenders will appear in court, and some have already been banned for life by Football Australia.
Melbourne Victory fans invade the pitch during the derby on December 17 at AAMI Park
OSM’s preferred area to sit behind the goals in the North End has been restricted as a result of FA sanctions, but the rebel group is clearly undeterred.
A large police presence is expected at AAMI Park.
Greg O’Rourke, the Australian Professional Leagues commissioner, confirmed that the A-League, Victoria Police and security will work in unison to ensure fans attending the ‘Big Blue’ feel safe at all times.
Kick off is 6:45pm AEDT on Wednesday.