By Goya Dmytryshchak
Authorities are investigating after an ugly brawl erupted among spectators at the Altona Magic and Dandenong Thunder soccer match in Altona North on Saturday night.
Footage shows males spitting on Altona players after they scored a goal and a fight ensuing that involved dozens of people in the crowd.
Football Victoria live streams National Premier League games, but the scenes at this match caused the game to be removed from online.
About 10 minutes before the end of the match, as the home side scores a goal to bring the score to 3-2, the footage shows a scuffle breaking out behind the Altona Magic bench.
An official commentator can be heard criticising spectators.
“This is not good enough behaviour from them, really disgraceful scenes here on these far sides: spitting on players and throwing water bottles,” the commentator says.
A referee halts play and security intervenes.
Altona North police are investigating the incident.
Police believe between 15-20 males who came from Sunshine to watch the match were involved.
Two men from Werribee, believed to be related, sustained minor bruising.
Police said that a number of people were spoken to by police but were uncooperative.
Altona Magic Soccer Club secretary Nick Taseski declined to comment.
“The matter is under investigation and there will be no club statement yet as it could affect the investigation process,” he said.
Dandenong Thunder Soccer Club was contacted for comment.
In a written statement released on Monday, Football Victoria said it strongly condemns incidents that occurred.
“These incidents are currently being investigated by Football Victoria’s legal, regulatory and compliance department so it is not appropriate for us to comment on the nature of them, except to say that we treat misconduct matters seriously and ensure these incidents are dealt with decisively.
“We take a zero tolerance approach to anyone acting in an antisocial manner or compromises the safety of players, officials and other spectators.”
