Football Australia Issues Two Lifetime Bans After Pitch Invasions

Football Australia has given the first two of many lifetime bans it suppose to give out following its ongoing investigation into the pitch invasion that left a player and a referee injured during the abandoned A-League derby.

Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover was unconscious after being struck in the face by a metal bucket while referee Alex King suffered a cut to his head as fans from the Melbourne Victory end stormed onto the pitch on Saturday.

The pitch invasion occurred days after the A-League announced a deal to sell its men’s and women’s title deciding Grand Finals to Sydney until 2025.

“In working with Victoria Police, Football Australia issued a 23-year-old man from Craigieburn (Victoria) and a 19-year-old man from Meadow Heights (Victoria) with life-time bans from all related football activity.

“The 23-year-old has been found guilty by Football Australia of entering the field of play without authorisation and using an item (bucket) with the intent to cause damage or harm”.

The police have also subjected them to a range of charges, including violent disorder, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said the actions of the two fans were “completely unacceptable“.

Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma