Matildas ‘fans’ could be BANNED from Federation Square after hooligans swamped police and security with more than 50 flares set off during World Cup clash with England

Following the poor behaviour of some football ‘fans’, Federation Square in Melbourne is unlikely to be utilised as a live site on Saturday for the Matildas World Cup playoff for third spot against Sweden.

Victoria Police described Wednesday night’s game as ‘challenging’, with ‘more than 50 flares discharged’, according to a spokesperson.

The unruly scenes unfolded when Australia took on England in the semi-final, which the Lionesses won 3-1 to move through to the final against Spain.

It is understood four men aged between 16 to 23 were issued fines of $962 for possessing flares – while police issued a warning to another male, 16, who threw a combustible device.

Thousands of fans had earlier flocked into Federation Square from 5pm, turning the site into a sea of green and gold and over-running security personnel.

Victoria Police described Wednesday night as ‘challenging’, with ‘more than 50 flares discharged’

Police and security staff in Melbourne were briefly overwhelmed as Matildas fans rushed into Federation Square ahead of the game against England

Footage shared on Twitter showed fans pushing down the barricades on the Yarra River side of the square, with hundreds of spectators storming into the live site.

Mounted police were swiftly called in to beef up security close to the fences that were knocked over.

Police were constantly trying to ensure fans’ safety, but spectators breached temporary fences multiple times.

Following Wednesday night’s drama, Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp suggested the event might not go ahead, or different crowd control measures may have to be used.

‘It is often the actions of a few, unfortunately, that end up ruining the experience for others … (and) that becomes the headline,’ Ms Capp said.

Not all fans misbehaved at Federation Square, but Victorian Premier Dan Andrews was frustrated at the conduct of a few ‘bad apples’

Organisers declared the live site in Melbourne had reached capacity an hour before kick-off on Wednesday night 

‘I lament at the idiocy of people that come with flares.’

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said anyone who used flares at Federation Square should have the book thrown at them and Victoria Police will assess whether it was safe to host Saturday night’s screening.

He also stated a ‘few bad apples’ wouldn’t lead to the site no longer being used to screen major events.

‘Flares are dangerous and I don’t think those people represent the vast majority of fans….football fans who want to enjoy what is an absolutely spectacular game, the beautiful game,’ he said.

Kick-off on Saturday against Sweden in Brisbane is 6pm.