Football Victoria has launched an investigation into an incident of fan violence that forced the abandonment of an NPL match between the Oakleigh Cannons and Dandenong Thunder on Friday night.
Disturbing footage from the match revealed at least one fan being knocked unconscious in the carnage.
After security attempted to control the brawl, police were then called to take over and de-escalate the situation and many fans were then removed from the pitch.
It was reported that around 500 people attended the football match, some of which threw items at the police and other people within the area.
The incident took place when the Oakleigh Cannons were leading 2-0. The tensions rose when some of the Dandenong Thunder fans became triggered with the celebration from the Oakleigh striker Stef Valentini in the 42nd minute, which caused the game to be paused.
Referees then attempted to restart the match after a half-time break, but they ceased the match after fans began to come onto the pitch.
Football Victoria has since released a statement following the incident.
“Football Victoria is aware of a serious incident that took place at the Round 5 fixture between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Dandenong Thunder FC,” the statement read.
“FV condemns all forms of anti-social behaviour and violence, in line with FV’s rules of competition and spectator code of behaviour.
“FV has contacted both clubs, who join FV in condemning the behaviour and will fully co-operate with the investigation. FV is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to collect detail on the incident. FV will share further detail on sanctions in due course.”
Information provided by Victoria Police further revealed that three people involved in this brawl were reported injured, however did not need to be hospitalised.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, but no one has made a police report at this stage,” a police spokesperson said.
Source: 7News.
