AFL champion Patrick Dangerfield slams ‘disgusting’ A-League fans

Stars from across the Australian sporting landscape, including Nick Kyrgios, have voiced their condemnation of A-League fans.

Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Mark Stewart.

Commentators from across the Australian sporting landscape have been left horrified by the A-League pitch invasion that shocked the football world on Saturday night.

In an incident described by some as Australian football’s darkest day, Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover sustained a suspected concussion and a gash to his face after he appeared to be assaulted by a Melbourne Victory fan during a violent and shameful pitch invasion.

Footage of the incident has spread across the world and much of the fan violence was captured on videos posted on social media — and on the live broadcast from Network 10.

Victoria Police has launched an investigation into the incident.

Patrick Dangerfield. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Football fans were furious at those involved and the reaction from other sections of Australian sport were just as scathing.

Geelong champion Patrick Dangerfield wrote: “Disgusting behaviour”.

The Melbourne Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen wrote on Twitter: “Shame on you. Absolute scum act”.

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios wrote on Twitter: “Typical, gronks. No respect. You are sitting in the crowd watching for a reason”.

Former Socceroos player Michael Zullo wrote it was a “catastrophe”.

“Ashamed, embarrassed, infuriated,” he posted on Twitter.

Spectators invade the field. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

Fans set off flares during the game. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

A bleeding Tom Glover of Melbourne City is escorted from the pitch by teammates after fans stormed the pitch during the round eight A-League Men's match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“The damage done to our game tonight is inconceivable. All our hard work, ruined. We can only hope that those responsible are dealt with accordingly, and the individual that assaulted a professional athlete is thrown in jail. Disgraceful.”

Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic posted: “Our game is in tatters. An absolute disgrace what happened tonight.

“Cannot believe we are here after such an amazing WC and so much potential to see our game grow. Irreparable damage done. Darkest day for football in Australia.”

“Worst thing I have seen in all my days following this game in Australia. Sickening.”

There was an avalanche of condemnation from across the entire Australian sporting landscape.

Matildas superstar Sam Kerr wrote: “Very sad day for football in Aus. Hope all the boys & officials are ok️.

“Hope that all the fans that went to actually support our beautiful game got home safe.”

Socceroo Craig Goodwin posted: “Extremely disappointing. Regardless of what has happened, this is not the way to respond and only gives the game a bad look”.

City goalkeeper Tom Glover is assaulted with a bin as fans invade the pitch.

Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer called for life bans.

“Get these IDIOTS out of our game, they are not fans and they should never be allowed back ever again.

“What is wrong with people? It happens time & time again. We take a step forward & then 10 steps backwards, in this case 100 backwards… minority of idiots cause untold damage to our sport far to often.. name, shame, prosecute and ban for life those involved.”

So soon after Australian soccer was riding unprecedented highs following the incredible World Cup campaign from the Socceroos, it has sadly returned to the ‘bad old days’, plunging to new lows of fan violence.

Glover required stitches for the cut and referee Alex King also sustained a cut to his right eyebrow during the wild and scary scenes when Victory fans stormed the pitch, although a Football Australia spokesperson said he was “more rattled than hurt”.

The referee match day coach was pushed into a fence as well, and all officials had to be escorted to their cars by security. A Network 10 cameraman was also injured by a flare.

Absolutely unacceptable ugly scenes at 20 minutes at the Melbourne Derby. Glover got smashed by a bin by some fuckwit. Terrible. Game paused. As if Aus football couldn’t get any worse rn #MCYvMVCpic.twitter.com/zN8CMMEFVe

— Evan Morgan Grahame (@Evan_M_G) December 17, 2022

Fans from both clubs hurled flares onto the pitch, but when Glover threw two flares back into the Victory fans area at the northern end, it sparked a wild reaction as approximately 100 Victory fans stormed the pitch, and encircled Glover in scary scenes.

Then one Victory fan grabbed a metal bucket and threw it into Glover’s face, instantly cutting the City goalkeeper’s face wide open.

In a low point for Australian soccer, it forced all the players and coaches to leave the pitch and technical area. Glover had to receive medical attention for his injuries.

Fans storm the pitch during the round eight A-League Men's match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, on December 17, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Some of the invading Victory fans also jumped on the goals, seemingly in an attempt to tear them down.

About 40 minutes after the match was stopped, it was officially abandoned due to player safety “in accordance with Law 5.3 of the Laws of the Game in order to protect the integrity of the match.”

In a press release, Football Australia described the violence as “shocking” and that “such behaviour has no place in Australian Football”.

They also confirmed they would be conducting a full investigation immediately, “where strong sanctions to be handed down”.