A Melbourne Victory fan dubbed ‘Bucket Man’ has complained about being ‘singled out’ by media organisations after his cowardly attack on a goalie.
Alex Agelopoulos’ image went viral after Victoria Police released images of him slamming a metal bucket into the face of Melbourne City goalkeeper Thomas Glover on December 17.
Agelopoulos was charged with violent disorder, recklessly causing injury, discharging a missile, intent to cause injury, unlawful assault, entry to sporting competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
Alex Agelopoulos, aka Bucket Man, believes he’s being unfairly picked on by the media
Alex Agelopoulos, dubbed ‘Bucket Man’ (pictured), was wearing an Original Style Melbourne t-shirt when he allegedly attacked Melbourne City goalkeeper Thomas Glover
Melbourne City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was smashed in the face with a metal bucket full of sand
The Melbourne Derby descended into chaos as fans – who were already furious with the A-League’s decision to move the grand final to Sydney – invaded the pitch at AAMI Park on the 21st minute.
Agelopoulos had been wearing a t-shirt bearing the name ‘Original Style Melbourne’ – a powerful group of Victory mega fans who believe they own the A-League – when he ran onto the pitch.
Glover, 24, was left bloodied after being struck in the face with a bin and the match was abandoned over fears for player safety.
But Agelopoulos has reportedly lashed out at media after being ‘unfairly targeted’ over the shameful display, the Herald Sun reported.
The 23-year-old Craigieburn man, north of Melbourne, has allegedly taken to social media to moan about photos being ‘plastered’ over news outlets and social media.
His image had been shared by Victoria Police alongside dozens of other hooligans who ruined the match.
None were more dramatic than those featuring the clearly enraged Agelopoulos, who was pictured wearing a distinctive bucket hat as he entered the playing field.
A Herald Sun analysis of his Facebook activity allegedly revealed the diehard soccer fan posted a screenshot of a chat on the ‘Australian Ultras’ about organised fights between soccer fans.
One post reportedly stated ‘Guys, can we arrange a fight with Frankston or yville? once we get 20 lads it’s on … No more peace treaties … Alex Aggs … their time’s up.’
Agelopoulos allegedly responded by branding a group of rival supporters as a ‘crew full of snitches’.
The page also featured supporters throwing tables, tossing flares and shouting abuse at each other.
Alex Agelopoulos’ image went viral after Victoria Police released images of him slamming a metal bucket into the face of Melbourne City goalkeeper Thomas Glover on December 17.
Melbourne Victory fans stormed onto the pitch moments after a flare was launched at them
He was left bloodied and the game was swiftly abandoned over fears for player safety
OSM members proudly display their rotten antics on social media. Shown here lighting flares just outside the MCG
Agelopoulos, who has been banned from attending A-League games for life, will front the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in a bid to vary his bail conditions.
He is among three men facing prison sentences of up to 10 years if found guilty of charges related to the AAMI Park riot.
The three men surrendered to police last week and were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in February.
Original Style Melbourne took to social media last week condemning the behaviour of ‘a minority of active fans’.
The group had been stirring a hornet’s nest of hatred against the league for days in protest over a three-year deal it made to hold the grand final in Sydney.
‘Our protest yesterday was intended to unite all fans. A vital element of the campaign against the APL decision, was that the walkout and protest remained peaceful, so as not to take away and distract from our argument,’ OSM ringleaders posted to Facebook.
‘OSM leadership fully understand the genuine sadness, anger and frustration at what happened last night. The events which transpired, although uncontrollable, happened under our watch, and we take full responsibility for that.’
Just days earlier, the group warned the league it had made a ‘grave mistake’ going ahead with the plans.
‘The fans of this league must unite against this tyranny. We need to stand now, or we are forever as spineless as they are,’ it posted leading up to Saturday’s match.
‘Silence is acceptance of this corrupt deal. Do the right thing. Nothing has ever been won in this country by idly sitting by.
‘Which side of football history in this country is your group gonna stand on?
‘The group which backs down and enables the executives to make completely anti-supporter decisions, with ZERO consultation from the fans, and sets an extremely dangerous precedent for our game… or; The group which FIGHTS BACK and takes a stand against it, and wins.’
OSM had branded anyone who didn’t obey their call on Saturday a ‘scab’
OSM hit social media to rant about its displeasure at the league for selling off the Grand Final to Sydney
OSM members show their fanatical support by tattooing the group’s emblem onto their bodies
A pitch invader dons an OSM t-shirt during Saturday’s game
Fans sporting the OSM t-shirt are seen invading the pitch on Saturday
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