Police issue statement as ‘disgusting' MCG fight vision emerges
Video of a MCG crowd fight after the clash between Hawthorn and Collingwood has gone viral and caught the attention of police.
The incident was posted on X (formerly Twitter) and has had (at the time of writing) almost 200,000 views.
Police have since revealed there were a number of 'behavioural issues' during the game on Friday night and 10 people were evicted.
The official crowd number was 83,706 and fans witnessed a polished performance from ladder leaders Collingwood, who brushed aside Hawthorn to the tune of 51 points.
'Police were generally pleased with the crowd behaviour at the MCG for Friday night's AFL match,' Victoria Police said in a statement.
'There were a small number of behavioural issues with 10 people evicted from the stadium by police.
'Officers are aware of a fight which broke out following an altercation between a small group about 10.30pm.
'A 32-year-old man advised police that he was assaulted but did not wish to make a statement at that time.
'The man was not injured during the incident.' The incident happened behind the goals where the Hawthorn cheer squad was sitting. Credit: X It is unclear who started the fight. Credit: X
The vision shows a fan — thought to be a Collingwood supporter — being grabbed by three Hawthorn supporters.
It is captioned: 'Hawthorn fans taking the loss well then,' but it is unclear how it started.
The incident happened behind the goals where the Hawthorn cheer squad was seated, near the steps.
The vision shows security staff arriving.
A fan said: 'I witnessed this with my family (kids). It was awful.'
Social media account The Saint said crowd fights had become way too common at AFL games and it was time to separate rival supporters.
'We don't need this. It happens every week. It's not even surprising to see it anymore,' they said.
'It's getting out of control. People can't wait to throw punches at rival footy fans these days. It's awful.
'Just have fans sitting among their own supporters instead of this. So much better.'
Another fan said: 'I remember a time when fighting was rare at an Aussie Rules game.'
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