An Australian A-League soccer match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory ended suddenly on Saturday when Victory fans stormed the field and attacked City goalkeeper Tom Glover in a shocking display.
The scary moment was captured on video by SBS News’s Tom Canetti.
Incredible scenes as Melbourne Victory fans storm the pitch at the City – Victory Derby after city keeper throws a flare at the crowd. Never seen anything like this in Australian football before… pic.twitter.com/IROUvlINcN
— Tom Canetti (@tomcanetti) December 17, 2022
Tempers were high all day in the match between these two city rivals, though both fan bases were planning a walkout in the 20th minute to protest the Australian Professional Leagues’ decision to sell hosting rights to the leagues’ men’s and women’s grand finals. As part of that, fans brought flares and fireworks to mark the moment.
However, many fans started igniting the flares as the game started. In the 11th minute, those celebrations kicked up to celebrate a goal from City midfielder Aiden O’Neill. In the 20th minute, Glover threw a flare that landed near him back at Victory fans and that incited some of them to invade the pitch.
Victory fans not only stormed the field but also hit Glover in the head with a metal bucket filled with sand that had been placed there to help extinguish flames. The goalie was rushed off the pitch by his teammates and blood is seen on his head. Team officials said Glover needed stitches and was showing signs of a concussion.
Tom was assessed by our club doctor immediately following tonight’s incident and required several stitches due to a laceration to his face. He was taken to hospital for scans and further follow up checks.
We’ll provide a further update as soon as possible. https://t.co/VIh2DchrDg
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) December 17, 2022
The incident was captured during the TV broadcast.
I am truly lost for words. This is the darkest day in Melbourne Victory history. Everything the club worked hard for is simply ruined. pic.twitter.com/6W60mSf9J6
— Benny Johnstone (@B1Johnstone) December 17, 2022
One referee also suffered a cut on his head from the bucket and the game’s head referee coach was pushed into a fence. Officials were escorted to their cars by security to exit the stadium.
“The club would like to formally apologise to Tom Glover, match official, Alex King and the camera operator as well as all players, officials and those who witnessed the appalling behaviour,” it said.
