THE MELBOURNE A-League derby was abandoned after fans stormed the pitch and attacked a goalkeeper with a metal bin in chaotic scenes.
Melbourne City were leading rivals Victory 1-0 after 21 minutes when a flare was thrown on to the pitch from behind one of the goals.
Fans then stormed on as security and the referee tried to protect City goalkeeper Tom Glover.
However, the metal bucket was launched at the stopper, causing him to bleed from the face.
Substitutes also ran towards the disgraceful flashpoint to help out their team-mate.
The referee and players were ushered towards to the AAMI Park tunnel for their safety.
Glover, 24, needed treatment in the dressing room due to the cut – as City confirmed he may have suffered a concussion.
Melbourne City confirmed the match had been called off half an hour after the initial suspension.
The referee was later seen chatting with Glover in the tunnel.
Tension was building in the week leading up to the derby match in Melbourne following the A-League’s call to stage the next three grand finals in Sydney.
Since 2005, clubs have earned the right to host the grand final based on performances but a £5.5million deal was agreed between league chiefs and New South Wales state, prompting a furious backlash.
A 20th-minute walkout protest was planned but the scenes descended into anarchy as so-called supporters burst on to the field of play.
Adelaide United and Socceroos star Craig Goodwin voiced his anger at the A-League on Monday.
He tweeted: “I do not support it. I am a player, but I am also a fan.
“Like many fans around the country, and like I said, I too am disappointed in this decision.”
Brisbane Roar supporter group The Den blasted in a statement: “This decision not only is anti-football but everything it stands for and the manner in which it has been made and communicated shows that the suits simply do not care about us, the fans.
“For too long we have felt the our club has not respected us enough and was not acting in the fan’s best interests, and our chairman’s actions throughout this controversy confirms this.
“Now the organisation as a whole has shown that they too do not have the fans a priority No1.
“The fans should always be 1st priority.
“Football is not a business.
“If not for the fans, then who is the A-Leagues for?”
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