Banned Melbourne Victory fans’ sneaky tactics to attend Western United clash at AAMI Park

Melbourne Victory fans banned in the wake of the pitch invasion managed to sneak into AAMI Park for the club’s clash against Western United.

Melbourne Victory supporters banned in the wake of last week’s violent pitch invasion sneaked into AAMI Park at Monday night’s clash against Western United.

Victory fans and members were not allowed to attend the Boxing Day A-League game against United after Football Australia slapped sanctions on the club after the fan riot which left Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover and referee Alex King hurt.

The Herald Sun saw several Victory fans, who were sitting near the goals in aisles 16-17 and wearing their supporter scarves, being heckled by Western United fans.

“Who did you steal your tickets from?” the United supporters yelled out.

Soccer fans are scanned by security staff. Picture: Getty Images

Crowds are watched by police at AAMI Park. Picture: Getty Images

Bags are checked at AAMI Park. Picture: Getty Images

Victory fans also bragged about sneaking into the stadium on social media.

One Victory fan, who posted a video to Facebook sitting inside the stadium, wrote: “What an atmosphere.”

Another Victory supporter wrote: “There’s people in full Victory tops and scarves that they let in.”

A heavy police and security presence was also seen at AAMI Park, with multiple police on horseback patrolling the surrounding area.

It came after dozens of ­social media posts from Victory supporters emerged on Monday saying they had purchased Western United memberships in a bid to ­attend the game.

One Victory supporter wrote: “Anyone know where I can swap a Melbourne Victory membership for a Western United membership? Happy to swap membership and add cash.”

While another supporter wrote: “For those who actually want to go, you can buy a three game membership for like 30 bucks and you can take a friend for free! Just no vuck scarf and stuff on.”

Tom Glover of Melbourne City was injured when fans stormed the pitch. Picture: Getty

Fans set off flares during the match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. Picture: Getty

United general admission memberships are being sold for as little as $37 for yearly passes.

Victory members also expressed anger at the sanctions on social media, saying “rule-abiding fans” shouldn’t be punished.

“99.99 per cent did not enter the field and are being punished,” one fan wrote.

Fans storm the pitch. Picture: Darrian Getty Images

Another said: “The club has decided to side against the fans so I will not be watching any games until this is rectified.”

A Victoria Police spokesman said there would be a highly visible police presence at AAMI Park on Monday night.

“Police were appalled by last weekend’s pitch invasion and have laid a number of charges on those involved in the incident for violent disorder, criminal damage and assault,” the spokesman said.

“This should send a very clear message that police will not tolerate this kind of behaviour at sporting matches.

The violent display rocked Australian soccer. Picture: Getty Images

“We will once again be closely monitoring the behaviour of individuals and we will not hesitate to take swift action against any anti-social or criminal behaviour.”

The Herald Sun last week revealed those ­behind the violent pitch invasion included members of hooligan groups Horda, M3 and Nomadi.

It was also revealed the soccer fan who allegedly hurled a bucket into the face of a player during the mayhem had previously been banned from games.

The sanctions against Victory will be in place until January 15.

Originally published as Banned Melbourne Victory fans’ sneaky tactics to attend Western United clash at AAMI Park