Police release more images in hunt for AAMI Park pitch invaders
As police hunt for more of the soccer fans involved in the ugly AAMI Park pitch invasion, one man is believed to have left the country.
Victoria
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One of the soccer fans identified over the A-League derby disgrace is believed to have headed overseas.
That man — along with several others at the heart of the chaos – was already banned from the domestic soccer competition over a previous breach.
Investigators have released images of 10 more people they are still looking for over the scenes which erupted a fortnight ago at the Melbourne Victory-Melbourne City game.
About 150 people invaded the AAMI Park pitch, City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was left bleeding after a bucket was thrown at his head and the game was abandoned amid the December 17 mayhem.
One of those still not identified is alleged to have thrown a flag pole at officers from the public order response team.
Of 42 people identified over the incident, five have not been found.
Officers from the northwest metro regional crime squad have identified one of them as a 33-year-old man who was already serving a 10-year ban from A-League games.
Police said Australian Border Force had confirmed he boarded a plane to Europe soon after the match and had not returned.
If he does, police intend to arrest and interview him over alleged offences of violent disorder and discharging a missile.
The names of those charged so far over violent disorder and discharge missile offences will be referred to Football Australia.
That is expected to happen in advance of Melbourne Victory’s away game against Central Coast on New Year’s Eve.
Thirty-two people have so far been charged with offences including assault, violent disorder, criminal damage, riotous behaviour and discharging missiles.
Five received a fine or caution.
The pitch invasion came at the 20th minute of the game, the point at which fans were meant to walk from the stadium in protest at grand final rights being sold to Sydney.
Trouble erupted after Glover threw a marine flare back into the crowd when it was tossed onto the field.
Police are believed to be investigating whether the mayhem was pre-planned and would have happened without Glover’s actions.
Anyone able to identify those pictured can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
Originally published as Police release more images in hunt for AAMI Park pitch invaders
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