Melbourne A-League derby abandoned as fans storm pitch and keeper attacked

The A-League Men Melbourne derby descended into chaos after fans invaded the pitch amid ugly scenes at AAMI Park that left the City goalkeeper Tom Glover bloodied and the match abandoned for player safety reasons.

As supporters flooded on to the field of play, a metal bucket used to dispose of flares was thrown in the direction of Glover, striking him in the face and drawing blood. Match referee Alex King, who was also injured and left covered in sand from the bucket, had no choice but to pull the players off the pitch and suspend play, before it was later called off.

Victory fans let off small fireworks then flares, while their goalkeeper Paul Izzo had to help dispose of flares thrown by City fans.

The incident comes less than two weeks after the Socceroos bowed out of the World Cup after a successful run to the last 16 that captured the imagination of the country and raised hopes that the game could capitalise on the renewed interest in it.

Commentators Simon Hill and David Basheer both expressed their anger at the scenes in Melbourne and rued the opportunity missed.

Earlier in the day at Gosford Stadium, Central Coast Mariners fans headed for the exit at the 20-minute mark of their game against Sydney FC and held a banner aloft which called for APL chief executive Danny Townsend to resign.