Police have charged 13 people and identified 20 more as part of the investigation into the mass pitch invasion at A-League Men’s game at AAMI Park on Saturday.
Police said the four males allegedly responsible for the serious assaults on the field have been charged or identified, and the person who allegedly threw a flare at a cameraman has been charged on summons.
A 23-year-old Wollert man was charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, entry to sporting competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
A 26-year old Sunbury man and a 18-year-old Diggers Rest man were both charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behavior.
There were three males from the Brimbank area charged for entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour: a 28-year-old Albion man, a 26-year-old St Albans man and a 27-year-old Cairnlee man.
Others charged include a Northcote man, 26, a Ringwood East man, 26, a Reservoir male, 17, and a Pascoe Vale man, 22.
According to police, others have been identified for alleged offences related to discharging flares and missiles and criminal damage.
“They will now all be interviewed as soon as possible, with more charges expected to be laid in the coming days,” police said.
Police said those who have been charged were bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 27, while the remaining will be charged on summons.
It is alleged on Saturday, December 17, 150 football fans ran onto the field during the match, with a total of more than 80 flares and fireworks released, including 53 at the northern end and 19 at the southern end.
Police allege four men were injured during the incident, including a goalkeeper, cameraman and two security guards, with $150,000 worth of damage caused to the venue. According to police, bottles and poles were thrown at officers who responded on the field.
“Detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance in relation to criminal damage and release of flares and missiles including chairs, buckets and bottles during the pitch invasion,” police said.
“Images have been released of people who may be able to assist with their inquiries into these matters.”
