Photos released as men sought over violent pitch invasion
Police have released photos of the men they want to speak to following a protest on the pitch of an A-League game in Melbourne.
On Saturday night's game between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, fans stormed the pitch in protest of The Australian Professional League's (APL) decision to host the A-League grand final in Sydney for the next three years.
Around 150 football fans ran onto the field around 8pm after flares were thrown into the crowd.
Three men were injured and Melbourne City's goalkeeper was taken to hospital with a head injury after being hit by a metal bucket of sand allegedly thrown at him.
Police have now released a photo of a man they want to speak to in relation to the incident.
Police are looking for this man, who they allege threw the metal bucket at players. Image credits: Victoria Police
A match official was hurt and a cameraman was also injured after being hit on the head with a flare, police said.
As investigators launch their probe into how the protest started, they have released a photos of men they may help their investigation into ripping of flares, assaults, criminal damage and invading the field.
Police want to talk to these men to gather more information about the incident. Image credits: Victoria Police
North-West Metro Region Specialist Operations Acting Superintendent Jason Goddard called the events "disgraceful" and "disgusting," and said the fans "lacked total respect for the game of football."
"I'm a lover of the game and I actually feel sad about what I saw play out on the pitch last night," he said.
"Along with thousands of supporters, Victoria Police condemn the behaviour."
He said he has "no doubt" police will be "knocking on a few doors soon."
Witnesses of the incident, or anyone who recognises the men, have been urged to contact Crimestoppers.
Image credits: Getty Images / Victoria Police