Police ‘bitten, punched’ as over 50 fans thrown out in MCG chaos

Over 50 fans were ejected from the MCG on Saturday night, according to Victoria Police, with officers allegedly bitten and punched.

Unhappy Essendon fan post match. Photo by Michael Klein

Over 50 fans were ejected from the MCG on Saturday night, according to Victoria Police, with officers allegedly bitten and punched during the Essendon-Richmond game.

Police have blamed fans “pre-loading” drinks and turning up to the Dreamtime clash drunk, with two fined for running onto the playing surface during the game.

The Herald Sun reported two groups of men fought near the Richmond cheer squad during the fourth quarter, while police were investigating an assault after the game on the footpath between the MCG and Birrarung Marr.

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In the latter, three men were injured with one taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Tens of thousands of football fans attend matches every week and the vast majority support their team and enjoy the atmosphere safely and responsibly, so it was disappointing to see so many spectators engage in disruptive behaviour last night,” Inspector Jamie Templeton said.

“We did see what appeared to be higher levels of alcohol consumption and aggression. It was noticeable that ‘pre-loading’ of alcohol prior to the game was significant in contributing to more incidents of poor crowd behaviour than usual.

“Police, Melbourne Cricket Club and the licensee work together to manage alcohol consumption at the ground, including reducing alcohol availability. The responsible service of alcohol is actively monitored and supported by police at liquor outlets.”

Unhappy Essendon fan post match. Photo by Michael Klein

It is alleged a 21-year-old man bit a police officer while being led out of the MCG after being found drunk at a food stall.

He is expected to be charged on summons with assaulting police and an alcohol-related offence.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and capsicum sprayed after allegedly punching an officer who spoke to him about urinating outside the MCG.

A 19-year-old Drouin woman is expected to be charged with assault and intentionally causing injury after an alleged incident before the game at one of the entry gates.

Originally published as Police ‘bitten, punched’ as over 50 fans thrown out in MCG chaos