Oakleigh Cannons, Dandenong Thunder NPL Victoria match called off due to fan violence

A NPL Victoria match on Friday night had to be abandoned after fan violence spilt onto the pitch, sparking a league investigation. SEE FOOTAGE HERE

Fan violence forced Friday night’s NPL Victoria match between Oakleigh Cannons and Dandenong Thunder to be abandoned.

The match was called off early in the second half as the clash between rival spectators spilt onto the pitch at Jack Edwards Reserve.

Footage from the sidelines shows at least one fan being knocked unconscious and others being pushed onto the pitch and being led away by police.

Oakleigh Cannons was leading the match 2-0 at the time.

Tensions escalated after a celebration by Cannons forward Stef Valentini in the 42nd minute incensed travelling Thunder fans.

41:52: GOAL! Oakleigh Cannons score to make it OCFC 2 : DTFC 0.

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The match restarted after half-time but was quickly halted as spectators involved entered the field of play with police called.

Football Victoria has launched an investigation into the incident.

“Football Victoria is aware of a serious incident that took place at the Round 5 fixture between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Dandenong Thunder FC,” a league statement read.

“FV condemns all forms of anti-social behaviour and violence, in line with FV’s Rules of Competition and Spectator Code of Behaviour.

“FV has contacted both clubs, who join FV in condemning the behaviour and will fully co-operate with the investigation.

“FV is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to collect detail on the incident … FV will share further detail on sanctions in due course.”

Fights broke out among fans at the Oakleigh Cannons-Dandenong Thunder game.

Victoria Police said three people were injured but no reports had yet been made.

“Police responded to reports of fighting at a local sporting match … around 500 people were present during the incident, some throwing items toward police and other people in the area,” a spokesperson said.

“Three people were treated for injuries but did not require hospitalisation.

“The crowd was brought under control and the match was cancelled as a result.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated but no one has made a police report at this stage.”

The match will be restarted at a time to be confirmed.

However, the incident has impacted Oakleigh’s replay against Altona Magic on Monday night.

The match will now be played behind closed doors at Jack Edwards Reserve as a result of Friday night’s violence.

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“Following discussions with both clubs, Football Victoria confirms that the replay of the Round 3 NPL Victoria Men’s match between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Altona Magic SC, originally scheduled for Monday March 11, will now be played behind closed doors,” a statement read.

“No spectators will be permitted entry to the venue.

“This decision has been made to mitigate risk following an incident at Friday night’s match between Oakleigh Cannons and Dandenong Thunder, which is currently under active investigation.”

The incident may also put the upcoming Dandenong derby under threat of being played behind closed doors.