A-League Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City derby: extreme security move

Melbourne Victory has revealed extra security measures to fans ahead of the local derby, as a hardcore supporter group has vowed not to “surrender” in the stands.

Melbourne Victory sent supporters text messages on Friday night advising of extra security measures ahead of Saturday’s clash with Melbourne City, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes at the last derby.

“Additional tarping will be mandated for tomorrow’s match to ensure compliance with the FA sanctions in the North End of the Stadium,” the club said.

“This will see tarping applied through the centre of bays 36 to 40.

“The additional restrictions are being imposed on the Club and we are required to comply with both APL and Stadium requirements.”

In a statement on its Facebook page, the OSM supporter group also wrote on Friday night: “The tarps are irrelevant. Act smart and don’t give the anti-supporter mafia the excuse they are looking for, to attempt to destroy us again.”

“It’s about doing the best we can with the circumstances we are in,” the group said.

“We will be stronger for it when the time comes for the terrace to return in full flight.”

The supporter group also said: “Melbourne cannot and will not surrender — not in the stands and not on the pitch.”

“We continue to stand tall against the City Football Group, and it’s disease which is spreading across our game.

“Our city, our territory.”

A bleeding Tom Glover is escorted from the pitch spectators stormed the pitch in last year’s match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. Picture: Getty Images

The Saturday Herald Sun can reveal police and security have been drastically ramped up in anticipation of the grudge A-League match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, the first meeting of the teams since December 17’s night of shame.

Operators have overhauled safety measures ahead of Saturday’s clash, closing off rows of active supporter bays to spectators in a bid to restrict access to the pitch.

In a raft of anti-hooligan measures, it can be revealed:

— EXTREME measures will be in place around the northern end for Victory fans and City fans at the southern end.
— VICTORIA Police have warned of a no-nonsense approach and the Mounted Branch and Public Order Response teams will be on site.
— SECURITY will be on high alert for flares and anti-social behaviour.
— GROUND staff will monitor patrons looking for any banned hooligans trying to sneak into the ground.
— TARPAULINS have been placed over several rows of seats in a bid to avert any repeat violence.
— POLICE will be on watch for any “ultra” fan groups marching to the ground into the early evening.

The overhaul comes as members from the hooligan soccer group linked to the incident have vowed to return to AAMI Park, urging members to “stand the f--k up” in a show of unity ahead of the highly-anticipated derby rematch.

The sporting world watched on in horror as City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was left bloodied when struck with a metal bucket as about 150 spectators – some affiliated with Original Style Melbourne – stormed the pitch, forcing the game’s abandonment 22 minutes in.

Fan walkout during Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park. Picture: Josie Hayden

Flares thrown from spectators onto the pitch at AAMI Park chaos before the chaos. Picture: Victoria Police

But OSM members declared in a fiery social media post earlier this week they “ain’t going f--king anywhere.”

“The test for our terrace now, is how well we can continue to support, despite restrictions in place that attempt to inhibit us from doing exactly that,” an OSM spokesman said.

“Saturday’s match provides our group an opportunity to rise again. Deliver the atmosphere that we are famous for, and do not play into the hands of those who want us ­destroyed.”

The OSM spokesman urged attendees not to give into “provocations”.

Victoria Police shut down any safety concerns, declaring officers would not hesitate to take “swift action” against any anti-social behaviour.

“There will be a highly visible police presence at AAMI Park on Saturday,” a police spokeswoman said.

“Uniform police will be supported by the Mounted Branch and Public Order Response Team, who will have a strong presence around the venue.

“Poor behaviour will not be tolerated and police will be closely monitoring the behaviour of individuals.”

The Herald Sun understands Victory fans are expected to congregate at a Melbourne watering-hole ahead of the rematch, but it is unclear if they will march through the streets.

Meanwhile, messages have circulated online urging City fans to meet at The Imperial Hotel along Bourke St ahead of their own procession.

Melbourne Victory chief Caroline Carnegie said this week’s derby was an “important match” for the club.

“While we understand and we have been strong on what conduct is appropriate in our game, it is also important to understand that the vast majority of our members and fans display their passion for football and Melbourne Victory in the right way,” Ms Carnegie told the Saturday Herald Sun.

“It is now time to come together and lead the game forward and we are looking forward to a great match.”

Melbourne Victory officials have been locked in urgent talks this week, with stadium security and extra police added for Saturday night’s match.

“We’ve been in touch with all the relevant stakeholders,” Mr Pavlidis said.

A Melbourne & Olympic Parks spokesperson said a range of enhanced security measures would be enforced at the venue. “These include restrictions on ticketing, an enhanced security response to flares, additional staff briefings and the closure of active supporter bays.”

Northcote man Alex Agelopoulos, dubbed ‘Bucket Man. Picture: Victoria Police

Spectators invade the pitch. Picture: Victoria Police.

Victory fans were slapped with heavy sanctions after the pitch invasion, while a manhunt ensued for the main faces involved, including ‘Bucket Man’ Alex Agelopoulos.

Mr Agelopoulos, 23, from Northcote, became the face of the mayhem when vision was released of him allegedly hurling a bucket into Glover’s face.

He was banned for attending matches for life and charged with offences such as intentionally causing injury, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, disrupting a match and entering a sporting competition space.

He will return to court on February 27.