Flare set off by ‘moron’ spectator at Knox Regional Sports Park

SELF-DESCRIBED hooligans who set off a flare at a suburban soccer match at Knox Regional Sports Park have been slammed as “morons”.

A flare was set off at Knox Regional Sports Park on Sunday, March 25.

SELF-DESCRIBED hooligans who set off a flare at a soccer match at Knox Regional Sports Park have been slammed as “morons”.

Police were called to the Wantirna South venue after a flare was lit during Sunday afternoon’s game between North Caulfield Maccabi FC and Mooroolbark Soccer Club.

Photos shared on social media showed a man lighting the flare while sitting on top of the fence watching the game.

The photos, uploaded to the Eastern Suburbs Football Facebook page, showed a group of seven men standing beside a flag that says ‘Sanctus Hooligans’.

One of the men is seen scaling the fence and lighting the flare as the game is being played.

In the post, Eastern Suburbs Football labelled the offenders “idiots” and “morons” and said they needed to be held accountable for their actions.

The man scales the fence…

…then lights the flare.

Police attended the scene but the man had left by the time they arrived.

Victoria Police said anyone found in possession of a flare could be charged with offences under the Dangerous Goods Act or the Major Sporting Events Act.

Mooroolbark Soccer Club president Mick Ashworth said the club had confirmed none of the people involved in the group were members, players or supporters of their club.

He said the club had “zero tolerance towards anything that is violent, abusive or brings the game or club into disrepute”.

“We are happy to assist Victoria Police and Football Federation Victoria in any way we can to have these people caught and punished for being disruptive to our great game,” he said.

Knox Council, which leases out the soccer fields, has launched an investigation and was in contact with relevant parties, including Football Federation Victoria, Eastern Suburbs Football and Victoria Police.

Knox Mayor John Mortimore criticised the actions.

“The council condemns this alleged behaviour in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

“The lighting of flares as well as the unauthorised scaling of fencing, poses an unacceptable safety risk to players, officials and the wider community, as well as the individual/s involved.”

Football Federation Victoria said in a statement they were investigating but they would not comment on an ongoing investigation.

North Caulfield Maccabi FC has been contacted for comment.