A senior police officer has described a brawl at a football match in Sydney’s south as “disgraceful” and those involved as “morons”.
Key points:
- The fight broke out after a match between Rockdale Ilinden and Sydney United 58
- Bricks and building materials were thrown and flares were lit and launched.
- A man has been charged and his bail conditions are not to attend any Premier League matches.
A 23-year-old man is facing charges and police are appealing to the public for help in identifying up to seven people seen in video of the wild melee, which took place yesterday at a football game in Rockdale.
Plastic crates, metal objects and flares were thrown during the brawl at Ilinden Sports Center following a match between National Premier League sides Rockdale Ilinden and Sydney United 58.
Detective Superintendent Tony Cooke said the incident happened after a spectator “entered the playing field and interfered with one of the players” during the match.
“He was kicked off the field of play, that clearly caused tensions, but… that’s no excuse for behaving the way these people did.
“To say I am disgusted by this behavior is an understatement.“
A vision of this tense confrontation is circulating on social media and shows a rocket being lit and launched into the crowd.
It also shows crates being thrown at people and other people using a table as a shield.
Crates were used during the fight. (ABC News: Brendan King)
Police were called to the ground shortly after 5pm yesterday after reports of a fight involving armed spectators.
The vision shows a group in a parking lot, while another group stands on some stairs.
At one point, we see men trying to hold back some spectators, while others take refuge behind a fence.
Detective Superintendent Cooke said the 23-year-old Granville man was holding a lawnmower blade which was found in a bin on the ground.
“Very clearly one person armed himself with a brick, another person had an iron bar in his hand. One of these individuals who armed himself with a large iron vat.
“We are very fortunate that there were no serious injuries.”
The man was charged with being armed with intent to commit a criminal act and rioting.
A flare is thrown at a group of people after the match. (ABC News: Brendan King)
Detective Superintendent Cooke said families and others were there to enjoy “what should have been a fantastic day” on Anzac Day.
“To think that this happened on such a sacred day for us is simply shameful.
“It’s the jerks who ruin things for the rest of us. It was a very small percentage of people on the ground.”
The riot squad intervened and dispersed the crowd and three men were taken to St George’s Hospital with minor injuries.
The 23-year-old has been bailed to appear at Sutherland Local Court next month and, under his bail conditions, he must not attend any Premier League matches.
Police will claim he threw a brick and was holding a piece of iron.
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Detective Superintendent Cooke said he met with Footbal NSW and representatives from both clubs, who were supportive of the idea of ridding the game of trouble-making supporters.
“They’re not sports fans, they’re not wanted here, they’re not wanted at any games and that’s what’s going to happen,” he said.
He said there was no indication at this stage that any players or club officials were involved in the brawl.
Police are looking for between five and seven men who they believe could help with their investigation and have formed Strike Force Azure to further investigate the incident.
In a statement, Rockdale Ilinden said it was aware of the incident and the club “has absolutely no tolerance for anti-social and criminal behavior”.
He declined to comment further due to the police investigation.
A Football NSW spokesperson said it had launched an investigation into the incident and was working closely with police and both clubs to identify those involved.
“Football NSW condemns all anti-social behavior and all forms of violence.”
