Ugly MCG fight during Collingwood's win over Hawthorn horrifies AFL fans

Daily Telegraph

a day ago

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Footage of an ugly crowd incident during Collingwood's win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night is going viral.
A video taken by a spectator at the venue has been shared on social media and the clip has been swirling around cyberspace since the incident unfolded after the game on Friday night.
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The footage appears to show an altercation between a spectator and another group of Hawthorn supporters standing near the stairs of the bottom level of seating directly behind the goal posts.
The clip that has been shared on social media does not include footage of any events leading up to the altercation.
The incident appears to have unfolded in the back row of the official Hawthorn cheer squad sitting area.
The footage shows punches appeared to be thrown and one moment where one supporter appeared to kick out towards another person.
Stadium security staff then arrived at the scene.
Footage of the incident shared on social media. Photo: X and @greg_briggs.
Victoria Police have released a statement to news.com.au confirming it is aware of a fight that broke out at the venue.
'Police were generally pleased with the crowd behaviour at the MCG for Friday night's AFL match, with an estimated crowd of 74,000,' Victoria Police said.
'There were a small number of behavioural issues with ten 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.'
Footage of the incident has gone viral with one version of the clip viewed more than 130,000 times on X.
Social media users have been commenting on the video with some disgusted about the event.
'I witnessed this with my family (kids) it was awful,' one person posted on X.
'Hawthorn cheersquad unleashed and was disgusting. Security was more concerned about settling older gentlemen to keep him from going to get police.'
Another person wrote: 'We don't need this. It happens every week. It's not even surprising to see it anymore.
'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.
One social media user posted: 'I remember a time when fighting was rare at an Aussie Rules game'.
Another person on X wrote: 'Male violence is disgusting'.
Meanwhile, there will also be a heavy, 'visible' police presence around Melbourne's sporting precinct on Saturday ahead of the A-League Grand Final between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
Footage of the incident shared on social media. Photo: X and @greg_briggs.
Jack Crisp of the Magpies kicks at goal against Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Klein.
Victoria Police released a statement on Saturday informing the public they have 'bolstered resourcing around the venue, surrounding licensed venues and public transport hubs throughout Richmond and the CBD'.
Police said in an earlier statement: 'While the focus this weekend will be on preventing and de-escalating any incidents, police will have zero tolerance for anyone engaging in reckless or anti-social behaviour, whether it is before or after the match.
'Only two weeks ago a splinter group of supporters lit around 15 flares under a bridge on Swan Street while marching to a game on Saturday 17 May.
'Police have serious concerns about this behaviour as billowing smoke under a train line can disrupt the public transport network and cause safety issues.
'Victoria Police has undertaken significant planning and worked closely with the A-League, clubs, stadium management, security providers and licensees to ensure the event is safe for those attending and the entire community.'
Originally published as Ugly MCG fight during Collingwood's win over Hawthorn horrifies AFL fans