>
Melbourne Victory fans are unable to buy tickets for the club’s A-League boxing day clash in just two days as the club awaits punishment for violent events that resulted in their derby with Melbourne City being abandoned last Saturday.
The Victory are scheduled to play Western United on December 26, but there is a real chance that the Clash and more will be played behind closed doors and Football Australia is likely to release sanctions today.
Person of interest, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au if you have information
Person of interest, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au if you have information
Ticketek has removed the option to buy tickets with the next game visible on the website being the January 3 clash with the Wellington Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Victoria Police are calling for public assistance after posting footage of more suspected hooligans from the derby violence.
A further 11 people have been charged over a violent pitch invasion during the Melbourne A-League men’s football derby.
Melbourne Victory’s Leigh Broxham is escorted off the pitch after fans stormed the ground in protest during the A-League Men’s Round of 8 match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park
Some 150 spectators stormed the AAMI Park clash between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City last Saturday, injuring goalkeeper Tom Glover, referee Alex King, a TV cameraman and two security guards.
Thirteen people were charged earlier this week with crimes including violent disorder and unlawful assault.
Police confirmed on Friday that 11 other men, ranging in age from 18 to 38, had been arrested and charged over the pitch trespassing.
They were rescued to appear in Melbourne Magistrate Court in February and March.
Police are also interviewing a 28-year-old man from Albert Park.
Two 15-year-old boys and a 23-year-old Moonee Ponds man received warnings and a violation notice for their involvement in the incident.
Along with the five people injured, police say around $150,000 worth of damage was caused to AAMI Park during the pitch invasion.
Person of interest, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au if you have information
Around 80 flares or fireworks were lit and poles and bottles were thrown at police in the field as they responded to the chaos.
Football Australia has sanctioned 10 of the alleged trespassers on the pitch.
Victoria Police issued a statement warning that they will not tolerate a repeat of the incident that occurred at the Melbourne derby.
“Police were appalled by last weekend’s pitch invasion and have filed a series of charges against those involved in the incident for violent disorder, criminal mischief and assault,” the statement said.
Fans protest the decision to move the A-League grand final to Sydney in the Melbourne derby last weekend
This should send a very clear message that the police will not tolerate this type of behavior at sports matches.
“Once again, we will closely monitor people’s behavior and will not hesitate to take swift action against any anti-social or criminal behavior.
Anyone with information about those in the images can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.