Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory: Watch the moment Tom Glover launched flare back into the stands
REVEALED: The moment that the Melbourne derby descended into chaos! City goalkeeper Tom Glover launches a flare back into the stands towards angry supporters after they threw it onto the pitch in protest at A-League’s $10MILLION NSW deal
- New footage has shown the moment the Melbourne Derby descended into chaos
- Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory was abandoned due to player safety
- Goalkeeper Thomas Glover was left bloodied after being struck with a bin
- It has now come to light that he angered fans by launching a flare into the stands
Melbourne Victory fans stormed the pitch moments after Melbourne City goalkeeper Thomas Glover threw a flare into the crowd, new footage has revealed.
The Melbourne Derby descended into chaos on Saturday night as fans – who were already furious with the A-League’s decision to move the grand final to Sydney – invaded the pitch at AAMI Park on the 21st minute.
Glover, 24, was left bloodied after being struck in the face with a bin and the match was abandoned over fears for player safety.
Now, footage has shown how the pent-up supporters’ violent reaction after Glover threw a flare back into the stands during the 20th minute protest against the NSW deal.
Picking up the flare that made its way onto the pitch, Glover launched it into the stand behind the goal and, within seconds, the fans broke through the advertising hoardings and onto the pitch.
City confirmed that Glover has likely suffered a concussion and was receiving treatment in the dressing room.
Since the A-League started in 2005, clubs have needed to earn the right to host the grand final based on how they performed in the finals series. The NSW decision flies in the face of A-League tradition.
This week, supporter groups across the country have lashed out at the deal – worth $10million – and announced their intention to voice their opposition by leaving games on the 20-minute mark.
On Friday night, Newcastle Jets fans left in their droves during their side’s 1-0 defeat by Brisbane Roar, with a banner reading: ‘Fans > $$’ displayed.
Peak body the Australian Professional Leagues have doubled down on the decision despite a huge backlash from fans and football stars that led APL director Anthony Di Pietro to resign.
Socceroos hero Craig Goodwin joined the chorus of condemnation on Monday, tweeting: ‘I do not support it. I am a player, but I am also a fan. Like many fans around the country, and like I said, I too am disappointed in this decision.’
Brisbane fans are planning to walkout on December 23, and it remains to be seen what action local police take to ensure that these shameful scenes don’t repeat themselves in Queensland.
More to follow.
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