Socceroos vs Greece 2016: Flares set off by Etihad crowd

THE beautiful game turned ugly last night after football fans let off flares during the Socceroos friendly against Greece.

Violence folates ahead of the Game. Picture: Andrew Tauber

THE beautiful game turned ugly last night after soccer fans clashed with police and an officer was allegedly kicked to the ground during a night of violence.

Clashes erupted and flares were set alight in direct defiance of police as hundreds of fans marched to Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium for the Socceroos friendly against Greece.

Trouble flared ahead of the match with many of the fans covering their faces with Greek flags.

As police moved in to break up the trouble, an officer was knocked to the ground but was not injured.

Despite the issues, police confirmed only five people from the 33,622-strong crowd at Etihad Stadium were evicted.

Greek fans walk in the city from Russell Street to Docklands to watch the friendly. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Police said further flares were set off inside the stadium once the game kicked off with Greece winning the match 2-1.

Football Federation Australia said it will work with Victoria Police to identify fans who set off flares before and during the match.

Police confirmed five people were evicted from the ground during the match.

One man was arrested after being refused entry to the stadium and hindering officers.

Police clash with fans in Melbourne last night. Picture: Andrew Tauber

It slammed those “reckless individuals” involved and warned bans would follow.

“FFA reiterates its firm position: we do not want these people at football matches in Australia,” a spokesman said.

“FFA will work with Victoria Police to identify the offenders and impose mandatory bans of five years on those found to have ignited flares.”

Police had earlier vowed to crack down on anti-social behaviour from fans.

Officers are now reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether any charges will be laid.

Hundreds of rowdy soccer fans have let off flares during last night's friendly between Socceroos and Greece. #9Today https://t.co/F35oQKz84M

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) June 7, 2016

Police were angered by the flares, saying it showed a “complete disregard for the safety” of others.

Leading Senior Constable Adam West said police were disappointed by the behaviour of “a small number of fans who have acted with complete disregard for the safety of other supporters and families attending the soccer”.

He said letting off flares was a real risk to other people in the crowd and was incredibly irresponsible behaviour.

“Police will examine all available CCTV footage to identify and prosecute anyone found to be carrying or letting off flares or committing any other offences,” he said.

Five people were evicted from Etihad Stadium, three of these were for behavioural offences, while one was for a flare offence.

Police said another person was removed for using an “unauthorised flag”.

Police had warned fans not to light flares. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Originally published as Socceroos vs Greece 2016: Flares set off by Etihad crowd