The chief executive of A-League club Sydney FC has called for an immediate end to violence at football matches after a child and a man were injured in a brawl during a preseason match last night.
Tony Pignata’s comments came after a friendly match between Sydney FC and NSW State League club Macarthur Rams at Campbelltown Stadium turned sour when a fight reportedly broke out between 20 people.
Police are investigating the incident, which is believed to have been sparked when supporters of the new Western Sydney Wanderers team, known as the Red and Black Bloc (RBB), threw a flare at Sydney FC fans.
The boy suffered bruises to his head from a rock thrown during the melee.
The man was taken to hospital after being kicked in the head.
“Very disappointed with what happened tonight. It’s not necessary and a few are ruining the situation for everyone. It needs to stop now,” Pignata tweeted Tuesday evening.
The incident is a worrying start to the A-League’s new local rivalry.
Western Sydney will face Sydney FC three times this coming season, with the first match on October 20 at Parramatta Stadium.
Wanderers general manager Lyall Gorman and Pignata will hold a press conference today at 12:00 p.m.
