The derby between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, Australia, was abandoned amid chaotic scenes after a pitch invasion on Saturday (17), in which City goalkeeper Tom Glover was left bloodied after being hit in the face.
Glover was hit with a metal bucket as Victory fans stormed the pitch after the 20-minute mark at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
The goalkeeper was escorted off the field with blood running down the side of his face, and referee Alex King found himself surrounded by supporters, who were protesting a move of the upcoming league finals to Sydney.
The Australian FA said in a statement: “Such behavior has no place in Australian football, a full FAA investigation will commence immediately where strong sanctions will be imposed.”
Glover was reportedly targeted after he threw a flare that landed across the field back into the crowd. His team later said he suffered a suspected concussion in the incident.
A flare also allegedly hit a cameraman covering the match.
Players and officials left the field and the match was called off when police were called to control the crowd.
“The Australian Professional League (APL) is coordinating with the FA on the ramifications of these events,” it said in a statement.
Australia’s top football competitions have sold their grand finals to Sydney until 2025 in a deal condemned by fans.
Both sets of Melbourne supporters had originally planned to leave the game at the 20-minute mark to protest the move.
The men’s and women’s A-League competitions traditionally play championship deciders in the homes of the highest placed teams.
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