Football fans will be closely monitored by police at Saturday’s A-League Grand Final in Melbourne, as the code desperately looks to avoid a repeat of the shocking scenes from an infamous derby in 2022 that saw a pitch invasion and 29 arrests.
Victoria Police have been pulled from multiple areas – and a number of stations will temporarily close – as resources are diverted to AAMI Park in the CBD to ensure rival supporters are on their best behaviour.
It follows one of Australian soccer’s darkest episodes, where approximately 150 Victory supporters stormed the pitch, unleashing 80 flares or fireworks and forcing the abandonment of the Melbourne derby in December of 2022.
At the time, a portion of disgruntled Victory fans announced plans pre-game via an Instagram page titled Original Style Melbourne (OSM) to storm the pitch after 20 minutes in protest of the controversial decision to hand Sydney grand final hosting rights until 2025.
‘We demand answers from Melbourne Victory,’ the lengthy social media post began following the announcement from former Australian Professional Leagues (APL) boss Danny Townsend a deal worth a least $10million had been struck with Destination NSW.
Football fans will be closely monitored by ‘hundreds’ of police at Saturday’s A-League Grand Final (pictured from left, respective captains Aziz Behich (Melbourne City) and Roderick Miranda (Melbourne Victory)
The code is desperate to avoid a repeat of the shocking scenes from a previous Melbourne derby in 2022 that resulted in a pitch invasion (pictured) and 29 arrests
Then Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover left the field bleeding with a head wound (pictured) and referee Alex King, two security guards and a camera operator were injured following the mayhem
‘The fanbase has spoken. You must back your most loyal. There is no other option.
‘Without us there is no club. ‘Silence will be considered collusion and won’t be forgotten. ‘You are either with us, or against us.’
Fast forward to Saturday night’s Grand Final and it is widely hoped history will not repeat itself.
Thankfully, both sets of supporters on social media platforms appear to focused on the football, not engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Victoria Police have confirmed they will have a visible presence at AAMI Park, ensuring both sets of fans enjoy the game and get home safely.
‘There will be an unbelievable atmosphere on Saturday night,’ CBD Acting Commander Zorka Dunstan said in a statement.
‘The bumper crowd can expect to see plenty of police on the way to the game and at the ground itself.’
A spokesman for AAMI Park also said there would be ‘increased numbers of venue security, patron services and supervisor staff, as well as greater numbers of MSS Security and Victoria Police personnel.’
Meanwhile, an A-League spokesperson confirmed the Grand Final is a sell-out.
Socceroos star Marco Tilio (right) is the type of player football fans love to see in full flight – he looms as a key figure for Melbourne City on Saturday
At 37, Bruno Fornaroli has proved age is just a number this season for Melbourne Victory, scoring goals for fun
Two Melbourne teams chasing bragging rights and silverware in a decider is also an A-League first, dating back to 2005.
‘We are the only sport in town,’ the A-League spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
‘No AFL, NRL or even netball is being played (in Melbourne), so we are excited (to be in the spotlight).
‘The capacity at AAMI Park is just over 30,000, and we have sold all tickets.
‘Fans can enjoy the spectacle, and also see Socceroos such as Marco Tilio, Mat Leckie, Aziz Behich and Daniel Arzani in the flesh.’
Melbourne City are unbeaten in their last eight games – but have not beaten arch-rivals Melbourne Victory since April of 2023.
Kick-off is 7:40pm, with the action live on Channel 10 and Paramount +.
