The Melbourne derby was instantly abandoned.
The Melbourne derby was abandoned on Saturday as fans invaded the pitch and attacked City’s goalkeeper.
Supporters were left furious after the A-League decided to move the next three grand finals to Sydney. They had initially planned to walk out in the 20th minute as a form of protest, but things escalated quickly.
Tempers flared and in the 21st minute fans ran onto the pitch and attacked City goalkeeper Thomas Glover, with one fan smashing a bin into his face.
Absolutely unacceptable ugly scenes at 20 minutes at the Melbourne Derby. Glover got smashed by a bin by some fuckwit. Terrible. Game paused. As if Aus football couldn’t get any worse rn #MCYvMVC pic.twitter.com/zN8CMMEFVe
— Evan Morgan Grahame (@Evan_M_G) December 17, 2022
The 24-year-old left the pitch with a bloodied face and the game was soon abandoned. City posted an updated confirming that Glover was being treated in the medical room and was likely suffering from concussion.
Update: Tom Glover is receiving medical treatment in the dressing room and likely has a concussion.#MCYvMVC | #MelbDerby
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) December 17, 2022
Since the A-League was first formed in 2005, clubs have to earn the right to host the grand final based on how they perform in the finals series. The latest decision goes against the usual tradition.
Fan groups across the country have hit out at the deal – worth $10million – and vowed to walk out of their game.
Friday night’s fixture between Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar saw Jets fans leave in their thousands and display a banner which read: “Fans > $$.”
Brisbane fans plan to walk out of their game on December 23 but following the events at AAMI Park, it remains to be seen as to what the authorities will do to ensure there is not repeat situation in Queensland.
Despite the mass protest the Australian Professional Leagues have doubled down on the decision.
“This decision not only is anti football but every thing it stands for and the manner in which it has been made and communicated shows that the suits simply do not care about us, the fans,” supporter group The Den said.
“For too long we have felt the our club has not respected us enough and was not acting in the fan’s best interests, and our chairman’s actions throughout this controversy confirms this.
“Now the organisation as a whole has shown that they too do not have the fans a priority number one. The fans should always be first priority.
“Football is not a business. If not for the fans, then who is the A-Leagues for?”
