A former AFL player has slammed fans who brutally fought in the stands at a match last night.
Dozens kicked and punched each other in the standing area of the GMHBA Stadium after the final siren of a tense showdown between Geelong and Melbourne.
Geelong FC legend Billy Brownless today said the fans’ behaviour was simply not good enough. ‘They should be embarrassed,’ he said.
Geelong FC legend Billy Brownless (left in his playing days and right with his daughters) today said the fans’ behaviour was simply not good enough. ‘They should be embarrassed,’ he said
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews also condemned the violence, saying: ‘There’s no place for that sort of behaviour in any sport.’
Geelong forward Tom Hawkins told 9News: ‘It’s certainly not what we want to see at games.’
Geelong FC released a statement today, saying it has started an investigation into the incident.
‘Once this has been completed we will be able to determine if any action will be required by the club,’ it said.
‘Football is an inclusive sport and every supporter that attends a game should be able to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment.’
‘Violence has no place in society, let alone at a game of footy.’
Victoria Police said it was aware of the brawl and is also investigating an allegation of assault at the match.
‘During the game, one person was evicted at three-quarter time and police are investigating one allegation of assault,’ spokesman Sergeant Cameron Scott said.
‘Police are aware of an altercation between spectators at the end of the game however, no one has reported any offences to police as a result of this incident.’
Shocking footage from the game shows more than a dozen men kicking, punching and throwing each other to the ground.
A violent brawl broke out between warring football fans in Geelong on Saturday night
Dozens kicked and punched each other in the standing area of the GMHBA Stadium after the final siren of a tense showdown between Geelong and Melbourne
One man, who is wearing a Cats scarf can be seen stomping on another man who is pinned to the ground while a Demons fan is filmed falling head first on to the concrete steps.
The violent fight lasted for 45 seconds before other members of the crowd intervened pulling the brawlers off each other.
A security guard can be seen tending to a Melbourne fan who was lying on the ground following the altercation.
The end of the footage shows a dozen police officers evicting several members of the crowd.
Drew Patchell, who filmed the fight said it broke out moments after the final siren.
Drew Patchell, who filmed the fight said it broke out moments after the final siren
As soon as Zach Tuohy kicked the winning goal, he said he was hit in the back of the head with a cup of beer.
‘I looked around … a Melbourne fan was on the floor and a few (were) holding each other,’ he said.
‘(It) wasn’t great to witness.’
‘Cats fans took care of a few Melbourne fans – who kept picking fights and were police forced out,’ he said over Twitter.
Over social media the fight received condemnation with people labelling the scene as ‘ugly,’ and the brawlers ‘scum.’
‘Regardless of what team anyone Baracks for this kind of violence should not be tolerate and the perpetrators should be banned for life!’ one wrote.
Zach Tuohy kicked the winning goal for Geelong (pictured) in the tight game right before the fight broke out