32 people charged over Melbourne A-League pitch invasion

Victoria Police have charged 32 people with criminal offences, including discharging a missile, assault, violent disorder criminal damage and riotous behaviour as a result of the invasion of the pitch at AAMI Park by Melbourne Victory fans during the A-League Melbourne derby on 17th December 2022. 

In addition to those charged, Victoria Police are searching for 11 others they believe to be responsible for serious offences.

The charges follow more than 100 fans storming AAMI Park during derby between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, injuring goalkeeper Tom Glover, referee Alex King, a TV cameraman and two stewards.

Victoria Police have also advised that one man believed to have been involved in the incidents left the country shortly after the match.

The 33-year-old who left on a flight to Europe in the days after the incident was reportedly already banned from A-League games for 10 years, raising questions over how the Australian Professional Leagues and venue managers enforce such bans.

This follows Australian Professional Leagues and the security staff at AAMI Park failing to prevent fans bringing flares into the venue, with about 80 flares or fireworks set off during the disturbances.

Victoria Police said the man who had left the country would be arrested when he arrives back in Australia and would be interviewed over discharging a missile and violent disorder.

Authorities are still searching for another man allegedly responsible for throwing a pole at a specialist police officer.

Football Australia has imposed interim sanctions on Melbourne Victory until 15th January with further punishments to possibly include points deductions and fines.

It has also imposed bans on 10 of the alleged pitch invaders.

Image: Melbourne Victory fans invade the pitch during the A-League Men's football match on 17 December 2022.