NPL3: Soccer fans red-carded in Springvale White Eagles, North Sunshine match

Sneaky soccer fans were escorted out of a rivalry clash on Friday night, while tensions erupted on-field following a penalty in the dying stages of a five-goal thriller.

Sneaky soccer fans were escorted away by police and officials on Friday night after entering a match despite fans being told they couldn’t attend.

Springvale White Eagles and North Sunshine Eagles were banned by the league from bringing supporters to away games in their two meetings this season following an incident between the clubs last year.

While most fans followed the league’s spectator code of behaviour on Friday evening, a small group of five supporters - believed to be supporting away team North Sunshine - attended the game.

The fans managed to walk in during the second half when the gates were untethered.

Soon after, officials and police came by to check to see who they were supporting and they were asked to leave.

Sneaky soccer fans leaving the ground during the second half as officials are believed to have identified them as banned away fans.

It’s believed tensions between the clubs have risen over the years due to historical conflict and political issues between Serbia and Albania.

North Sunshine have a large Albanian following while Springvale have Serbian supporters.

The match saw a dramatic finish go the way of North Sunshine who came back from 2-1 down at halftime to win 3-2.

A penalty goal to captain Nicholas Epifano in the 89th minute sealed the win for North Sunshine to make it two victories in a row, keeping them in contention for a finals spot.

The penalty conceded in the dying stages for Springvale meant that they remain in second last position and in a relegation fight.

Following the final whistle, players seemed to be shaking hands fairly until one interaction, believed to be between the Springvale goalkeeper and one North Sunshine player, boiled over into a push and shove.

As captured on camera, it quickly ended as teammates pulled the keeper, wearing yellow, away from the area.

Following the short push and shove between rival clubs, North Sunshine players celebrated the win and the home fans left the ground peacefully.