At the Melbourne derby in Australia, Melbourne City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was hit by a flying bin from a pitch invader, as fans stormed the pitch throwing all sorts of
paraphernalia.
Glover was preparing to take a goal kick when a flare was thrown in his direction by the fans from Melbourne Victory behind his goal at the AAMI Park. People then started running onto the pitch, with a steward and the referee Alex King trying to protect Glover from entering into any altercations.
However, after a few ran up to him shouting abuse and pushing him, Glover was then hit by a metal bin thrown by someone from out of shot. Players ran to aid both the goalkeeper and the ref, with fans still storming the pitch.
The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the game with Melbourne City 1-0 up. The referee subsequently suspended the fixture, before abandoning the tie on player safety grounds.
A Melbourne City statement said: "Tom Glover is receiving medical treatment in the dressing room and likely has a concussion."
In a statement, Football Australia said: “Following shocking scenes during the first half of the of the A-League Men’s match between Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC at AAMI Park on Saturday 17 December, where fans from the Melbourne Victory FC end entered the field of play, Football Australia match officials have abandoned the match in accordance with Law 5.3 of the Laws of the Game in order to protect the integrity of the match.
“Such behaviour has no place in Australian Football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions will be handed down."
The Australian Professional League also issued an initial statement: “The Australian Professional League (APL) is coordinating with Football Australia (FA) regarding the ramifications of these events.
“A further statement will follow.”
Melbourne Victory's side contained former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani, while Matthew Leckie - of Australia's World Cup 2022 squad and their matchwinner against Denmark - played for Melbourne City.
