Nikola Martic allegedly had weapon at Rockdale, Sydney United brawl

One of the men who allegedly armed himself with a weapon and rioted during a clash between two rival Sydney football clubs' supporters has been banned from attending any NPL games while he remains before the court.

UPDATE

One of the men who allegedly armed himself with a weapon and rioted during a clash between two rival Sydney football clubs' supporters has been banned from attending any NPL games while he remains before the court.

Nikola Martic, 23, has been charged with being armed with intent and rioting after a brawl broke out following the Rockdale Ilinden and Sydney United 58 FC NPL match at Ilinden Sports Centre on April 25.

Court documents reveal police will allege the Granville man was armed with a metal instrument when the melee broke out after the match.

Police granted Martic bail following his arrest and he is forbidden from attending any NSW National Premier Leagues games or even being within 100m of a game as part of his conditions. 

Nikola Martic, 23, has been charged with rioting after a clash between supporters of two rival Sydney football clubs in Rockdale in April 2021. Picture: Eliza Barr

Martic briefly appeared before Magistrate Jayeann Carney at Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday, where he was granted permission to reside at either his current Granville address or a second address in Beverly Hills while he remains on bail.

He returns to court in August.

EARLIER BY ELIZA BAR ON APRIL 29, 2021

All supporters of the two National Premier League NSW soccer clubs involved in the terrifying brawl at the weekend have been banned from attending matches indefinitely.

A Football NSW spokesman issued a statement confirming no fans from either Rockdale Ilinden FC or Sydney United 58 FC will be permitted to attend games while investigations continue.

“The above measures will remain in place until the investigation into the incidents is completed and outcomes determined,” the statement said.

“These measures apply to NPL NSW Men’s 1st Grade and U20s, and FFA Cup matches.”

Vision of the brawl.

Fans were caught using various items in the melee

St George police have also confirmed they arrested two additional men and charged them both over their alleged involvement in the brawl.

“The men, aged 22 and 31, were taken to Fairfield Police Station where they were both charged with riot, and affray,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“Both men were given conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on May 18.”

An external independent investigator is now reviewing the serious brawl, in which one supporter can be seen holding a lawnmower blade and others throw flares, bricks, metal star pickets and bread pallets.

The melee broke out among fans on April 25 after the long term rivals clashed at Ilinden Sports Centre in Rockdale, resulting in a nil-all draw.

Supporters clashed after the match.

Security attempted to calm the situation.

Two men were treated at St George Hospital for lacerations to their arms, while a third was treated after he was trampled in a stampede away from the violence.

One man was previously charged with being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and rioting and will also face Sutherland Local Court on May 18.

“Football NSW is liaising with Football Australia regarding possible national and international sanctions against individuals that were involved in the incident,” the statement continued.

“Separately, Football NSW and both clubs are continuing to assist the police with their investigation.”

Football NSW said it has a zero-tolerance policy for violent behaviour.

More to come.