Violent scenes in Richmond as two groups clash

At least 10 men can be seen throwing chairs and bar stools outside a popular Swan St venue following the Melbourne Derby.

Footage shows the moment a violent brawl erupted between a group of men at a popular Richmond strip after an A-League's soccer clash on Saturday night.

In a video posted on TikTok, a group of at least 10 men are shown using bar stools as weapons while terrified patrons watch on in horror.

The video, which was filmed on Richmond’s Swan St, appears to show two groups slamming the metal patio chairs and umbrellas from a nearby sports bar into each other’s heads near G Bar, a known watering hole for Melbourne Victory fans.

The shocking display of hooliganism comes two years after the infamous 2022 Melbourne Derby, when a violent pitch invasion left Melbourne City keeper Tom Glover covered in his own blood.

At least 10 men have been involved in a brawl in Richmond on Saturday night.

In one shocking scene, a man can be seen attempting to seek refuge in a venue while four others sling at least five separate chairs at his face.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, witness Shabz Pandey said dozens of people were involved.

“On one side there were around 10-15 people and on the other side there were 7-12ish people,” he said.

In separate clips taken by Mr Pandey, the hooligans can be seen taking their brawl to the street, flinging metal signs and umbrellas at each other from opposite sides of tram tracks.

One man is tackled to the ground and set upon by two others, before a fourth man throws a chair at the window of a neighboring frozen yoghurt store.

The brawl broke out on Swan St about 10.15pm.

While Mr Pandey said none of them were wearing football merchandise, he added “they were in front of a popular bar that many people go to after Melbourne Victory games”.

Elsa Potter, who works at the neighbouring frozen yogurt store, was on shift at the time of the brawl.

Ms Potter said at least 15 “panicked” pedestrians sought refuge in her store before one of the men tossed a bar stool at the front window.

“I had to let everyone out through the back so they weren’t coming back out onto the street,” she said.

“It was a crazy night ... I was just worried they would try and come in.”

G Bar remained closed throughout Sunday, with a single sheet of cardboard taped across its damaged front window.

Bystanders were forced to take refuge in a nearby frozen yoghurt shop as the fight spilt on to the street.

The reason for the brawl is unclear, but the video’s caption suggests it pertains to Saturday night’s Melbourne Derby football match between Victory and City, which resulted in a draw.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the group fled on foot when officers arrived on the scene about 10.15pm.

“A 27-year-old Officer man was arrested nearby,” she said.

A Melbourne Victory spokesperson told the Herald Sun the club was “aware of a police matter that occurred following an incident on Swan St”.

“The club is working with all relevant stakeholders to gather further information in order to determine whether there is any connection, or otherwise, to last night’s derby,” they said.

“Melbourne Victory does not condone any form of violent or antisocial behaviour.”

Melbourne City FC was contacted for comment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Violent scenes in Richmond as two groups clash