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Three men charged over violent Melbourne derby pitch invasion

By Carla Jaeger

December 19, 2022 — 1.45pm

Three men have been charged over the pitch invasion at AAMI Park that brought the Melbourne A-League derby to a halt on Saturday night, leaving four people injured and an estimated $120,000 of damage to the venue.

A 23-year-old Craigieburn man, a 19-year-old Meadow Heights man and an 18-year-old Alphington man have been charged after they presented to police stations on Monday.

The 23-year-old man was charged after he allegedly struck Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover with a bucket full of sand. He has been charged with violent disorder, discharge missile, intent to cause injury, recklessly cause injury, unlawful assault, entry to sporting competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.

The 19-year-old man has been charged over a separate alleged assault on Glover, as well as an alleged assault on a security guard. He has been charged with violent disorder, discharge missile, three counts of unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, riotous behaviour, discharge and possess flare.

Additionally, the 18-year-old man has been charged in relation to the alleged separate assault on the goalkeeper, as well as criminal damage, allegedly caused to the venue. He has been charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.

Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover was concussed when fans stormed the pitch on Saturday night.Credit: Getty

“All three men self-presented to police stations and have subsequently been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 27 February. The charges come as detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad continue to investigate the entire incident as part of Operation Astute,” a spokesperson from Victoria Police said.

According to police, approximately 50 flares were lit within the stands and at least three were thrown onto the field. Additionally, bottles were thrown at the Public Order Response Team that responded on the field.

“Police are continuing to trawl through detailed vision of the incidents, and those involved are strongly urged to make themselves known to police immediately,” the spokesperson said.

Glover required stitches and was concussed, while referee Alex King also sustained minor injuries. A cameraman was also hit by a flare.

The invasion stemmed from Melbourne Victory’s active support area behind the goal and the club is facing heavy sanctions from Football Australia.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents, or who has information or phone vision, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log on to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police also released new images of people who may be able to assist with their enquiries. The pictures are below.