Hooligan behaviour lashed, fines issued after flares thrown at police ahead of A-League's clash
A-League's fans fired flares and clashed with riot police on the streets of Melbourne last night, with authorities calling out the hooligan behaviour that landed one officer in hospital.
Victoria
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Victoria Police has lashed the hooligan behaviour of football fans after an officer was assaulted and others had flares thrown at them ahead of the A-League grand final clash between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City.
The officer was taken to hospital with minor injuries and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Supporters gathered in Swan St, Richmond, ahead of the match, with rowdy fans lighting flares and taunting police as they marched to AAMI Park.
Across the evening, four penalty notices for possess lit firework and one penalty notice for riotous behaviour were issued.
There were also 11 evictions from venues and two cautions for trespass.
One man was arrested and interviewed and released pending summons for the alleged assault of a security officer.
In a statement, Victoria Police said it was “disappointed” by the behaviour of some fans.
“We will continue to work with the A-League, clubs, stadium management and security providers following the grand final to review and address concerning behaviours,” the statement said.
It comes as several police stations across the city were temporarily shut on Saturday evening to allow for more boots on the ground, with authorities determined to avoid a repeat of past fan violence.
Previous Victory and City matches have been marred in violence including a pitch invasion by Victory fans at a 2022 derby, which will go down as one of the darkest nights in Australian football.
In the hours before Saturday night’s kick off a heightened security presence could be seen outside bars on a bustling Swan St, with 30,000 soccer fans expected to swarm the precinct.
An orange glow emanated from under Richmond railway bridge as the raucous crowd equipped with flares began moving toward Olympic Boulevard.
Police arrested one marcher outside the Precinct Hotel, dragging him through the baying mob.
Several hundred metres of orange traffic barricades have been installed along the pub strip in Richmond.
Earlier in the night, thunderous chants could be heard ringing out from G bar — a spot frequented by Melbourne Victory fans.
Fans were heard chanting expletive and anti-police phrases before officers surrounded the venue in an attempt to control the early outburst.
Before the march began fans had started firing off flares outside of G Bar as mounted units arrived on the scene.
Police kept a low profile with some officers patrolling the surrounding streets in unmarked vehicles.
Officers began pushing the police line down towards Cremorne St at 6pm as tensions began to escalate with fans outside Precinct Hotel.
Meanwhile, public order response units began controlling traffic as multiple police vehicles descended from the intersection of Swan St and Punt Rd.
After 5.30pm, police took further safety measures, blocking off Swan St and telling football plans to take alternate routes.
“No one under the bridge, no foot traffic under the bridge,” officers instructed the growing crowd.
It comes after Victory Ultra supporters fan page North Terrace Melbourne encouraged fans to “win on the pitch, in the stands, and on the streets” in an Instagram post on Thursday.
“Inside the stadium, a full north end tifo has been prepared. There will be multiple megaphones spread across the area. Follow instructions and we will succeed,” the fan page wrote.
“The NT will act business as usual. There will be no adherence to seat numbers. In truth, three standing bays are not nearly enough. The objective is to get the whole north end standing and active – and this should be realistic.
“Every part of Saturday must be a full expression of Melbourne’s true terrace culture.”
After the match, hundreds of police officers braced for more chaos as soccer fans poured into Richmond pubs after Melbourne City were crowned champions.
After the 30,000-strong crowd dispersed from AAMI Park, more than 100 police headed down to Swan St, stationing themselves around several popular bars near the rail bridge as revellers headed inside.
CBD Acting Commander Zorka Dunstan said earlier in the week that while it was an exciting time for the city and its teams supporters, officers would be taking a “zero tolerance” approach to reckless or anti-social behaviour.
“The majority of supporters do the right thing and create an incredible environment for everyone in attendance, including families,” she said.
“However, at times this year we have seen a very small group of supporters engage in reckless and anti-social behaviour.
“Due to their actions, some of these people are barred from attending this Saturday’s big game.
“We don’t want this small group to tarnish the event for the rest of the soccer community.
“Those in Richmond, particularly Swan Street, can expect to see a strong and dedicated police presence throughout the entire night.”
Victory supporters congregated in pubs on Swan Street on Saturday afternoon, with the heavy police presence – including the mounted brigade – expected to help deter any violence.
Melbourne Victory fan Keiran Betland said he has been waiting on a derby grand final “for 15 years.”
“I remember standing outside when Melbourne Heart first played — the first Derby ever,” he said.
“I thought wow this is the biggest (game) we’ve got, imagine when we’re going to be in a grand final against these guys.”
Melbourne City supporter Cameron Brown may have been outnumbered among the legions of Victory supporters on Swan St but that did nothing to quell his excitement for the match.
“This is the biggest game we’ve had for years,” Mr Brown said.
“The A-League needs a game of this stature, it needs a Melbourne derby.
“Plenty more Melbourne City fans will come later hopefully — we’ll give them plenty of support.”
Originally published as Hooligan behaviour lashed, fines issued after flares thrown at police ahead of A-League's clash
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