Revealed: Why police will be out in force at A-League Grand Final in Melbourne - as 30,000 fans head to AAMI Park for historic derby
Victoria Police have been pulled from multiple areas - and a number of stations will temporarily close - as resources are diverted to AAMI Park in the CBD to ensure rival supporters are on their best behaviour.
It follows one of Australian soccer's darkest episodes, where approximately 150 Victory supporters stormed the pitch, unleashing 80 flares or fireworks and forcing the abandonment of the Melbourne derby in December of 2022.
Then Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover left the field bleeding from a head wound and referee Alex King, two security guards and a camera operator were injured following the mayhem.
At the time, a portion of disgruntled Victory fans announced plans pre-game via an Instagram page titled Original Style Melbourne (OSM) to storm the pitch after 20 minutes in protest of the controversial decision to hand Sydney grand final hosting rights until 2025.
'We demand answers from Melbourne Victory,' the lengthy social media post began following the announcement from former Australian Professional Leagues (APL) boss Danny Townsend a deal worth a least $10million had been struck with Destination NSW.
'The fanbase has spoken. You must back your most loyal. There is no other option.
'Without us there is no club. 'Silence will be considered collusion and won't be forgotten. 'You are either with us, or against us.'
Fast forward to Saturday night's Grand Final and it is widely hoped history will not repeat itself.
Thankfully, both sets of supporters on social media platforms appear to focused on the football, not engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Victoria Police have confirmed they will have a visible presence at AAMI Park, ensuring both sets of fans enjoy the game and get home safely.
'There will be an unbelievable atmosphere on Saturday night,' CBD Acting Commander Zorka Dunstan said in a statement.
'The bumper crowd can expect to see plenty of police on the way to the game and at the ground itself.'
A spokesman for AAMI Park also said there would be 'increased numbers of venue security, patron services and supervisor staff, as well as greater numbers of MSS Security and Victoria Police personnel.'
Meanwhile, an A-League spokesperson confirmed the Grand Final is a sell-out.
Two Melbourne teams chasing bragging rights and silverware in a decider is also an A-League first, dating back to 2005.
'We are the only sport in town,' the A-League spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
'No AFL, NRL or even netball is being played (in Melbourne), so we are excited (to be in the spotlight).
'The capacity at AAMI Park is just over 30,000, and we have sold all tickets.
'Fans can enjoy the spectacle, and also see Socceroos such as Marco Tilio, Mat Leckie, Aziz Behich and Daniel Arzani in the flesh.'
Melbourne City are unbeaten in their last eight games - but have not beaten arch-rivals Melbourne Victory since April of 2023.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Footy fans warned about purchasing fake Brisbane Broncos jerseys which were designed to raise money for mental health awareness
Brisbane Broncos fans have been issued a warning to be on the lookout for fake jerseys being sold online. The club's popular all black jersey - worn to raise funds for mental health - sold-out in record time when Michael Maguire's men took on the Gold Coast Titans in round 14 on June 7 at Suncorp Stadium. Scammers were aware of the increased demand, and soon began printing fake black jerseys in bulk. On Facebook marketplace, the jerseys are currently available for between $50 and $75 - with the authentic versions retailing for $170 via official NRL merchandise. Some of the fake jerseys are described as 'replicas' - but others suggest they are the real deal. 'The Brisbane Broncos caution our fans to avoid online purchases of unauthorised products due to the high risk of fraudulent and deceptive conduct and the likelihood of financial loss to the purchaser,' a spokesman said. Surprisingly, the Broncos aren't expected to wear the jersey again anytime soon. Meanwhile, a broken arm to prop Xavier Willison soured Brisbane's commanding 60-14 win against South Sydney on Friday. Brisbane Broncos fans have been issued a warning to be on the lookout for fake black jerseys being sold online (pictured) The club's popular all black jersey - chosen to raise funds for mental health - sold-out in record time when Michael Maguire's men took on the Gold Coast Titans in round 14 on June 7 at Suncorp Stadium (fullback, Reece Walsh is pictured) Scammers were aware of the demand, and soon began printing fake black jerseys (pictured) in bulk, which are still available on Facebook Marketplace Fullback Reece Walsh finished with four try assists and a try himself as the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs were outclassed. Willison isn't expected to play against this season. 'He has broken his arm and that could be a six-week injury,' Maguire said. 'Watching 'X' grow has been great, but we have someone like Ben Talty (ready) to step up. '(Overall) we were thorough and I thought our spine was very good.' In what was a history-making performance, Broncos captain Adam Reynolds became the second player in NRL premiership history to score 2500 points. He now only trails Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith, who chalked up 2786 points in his storied club career.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Man uses very WOKE method to crack the infamous dress code at the MCC's members area
Access to the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Club areas of the MCG comes with strict dress conditions, but some woke wording might have paved the way for blokes to ditch the collared shirts for good. Membership of the Melbourne Cricket Club gives full access to the Members' Reserve at the MCG for all AFL matches, the Boxing Day Test and other major cricket and football events. It is highly exclusive, with more than 136,000 people on the waiting list and waiting times of up to 25–30 years for full membership. For the 2025/26 season, the annual full membership subscription for metropolitan adults is $897, plus a $1,210 entrance fee paid in instalments. Along with the lengthy waiting list and eye-watering membership fees, strict dress codes are also mandated. Men aged 17 and over must wear a collared shirt at all times in the Members' Reserve, paired with neat trousers and closed‑toe footwear. Women are expected to wear a dress, skirt, or tailored trousers with a blouse or top, avoiding athletic wear, beachwear, ripped clothing and excessive logos. Athletic shorts, sneakers, sandals such as thongs or Ugg boots, and revealing clothing are strictly prohibited in all MCC member areas. But one man has discovered a loophole in the wording of the dress code on the MCC website. 'Please note: Members and their guests who identify as male and are aged 17 years and over must wear a collared shirt, even if worn under a collared sweater or jacket, at all times in the Reserve,' the website reads. 'This continues to be the major reason for male members and guests being denied admission.' That wording enabled one man to walk freely into the MCC Members area without a collared shirt simply by uttering four simple words. 'I identify as a female,' he told security blocking his path. News Corp has reported that MCC staff reluctantly had to let the member in, without a collar, but will tighten the wording to prevent it happening again. But it is not the first time gender has been used to bypass the strict dress code. In 2022, a Twitter [now X] social media user named Barnacle Bill asked the same question. 'I was born a male and now identify as a woman. Do I have to wear a collar?' they asked. While the post was likely tongue in cheek, the MCC social media team responded. 'We acknowledge that our current dress standards do not adequately accommodate for all gender identities,' the response read. 'We are reviewing our policy to establish more inclusive guidelines. You are not required to wear a collar in the Reserve.' It comes after the MCC Foundation announced in June that it had partnered with is pleased to partner with Proud 2 Play to support inclusion and participation of LGBTQIA+ people in sport. 'Sport should be inclusive, safe, and accessible, we're excited to help break down barriers and change the experience that LGBTQIA+ people have,' the club said in a statement.
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Wong criticises Israel's conduct in Gaza in closed-door meeting with Israeli ambassador
In a private meeting with Israel's ambassador to Australia, the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, criticised Israel's conduct in Gaza and called for it to urgently comply with international law and increase the supply of food to Palestinians. Wong's Thursday meeting with Amir Maimon was requested by the Israeli embassy, according to federal government sources, and took place inside Wong's office at Parliament House in Canberra. The meeting was held days after Australia joined 27 other countries in condemning Israel for denying humanitarian aid to Palestinians. At the time, Wong said the decision to sign the statement reflected the 'concern' and 'distress' Australians felt from seeing the images of starving Palestinians in Gaza. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The Thursday discussion followed another meeting between Maimon and lower-level foreign affairs officials in Canberra earlier in the week, as reported by the Nine Newspapers. Australian sources said Wong repeated her public criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza during the meeting with Maimon. This included a request for Israel to comply with international law and ensure enough food was being provided to Palestinians. Wong's office declined to comment on the meeting, and the Israeli embassy has been contacted for comment. Before both meetings took place, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, accused Israel of 'clearly' breaching international law and said Benjamin Netanyahu's government was 'losing support' internationally. After those comments, Wong said: 'It is forbidden to withhold aid from civilians, that is not consistent with international law, but actually, just as importantly, it's morally the wrong thing to do.' Earlier in the week, a select group of journalists attended a briefing at the Israeli embassy where Israel's deputy ambassador, Amir Meron, reportedly said: 'We don't recognise any famine or any starvation in the Gaza Strip.' In response, Albanese said that statement was 'beyond comprehension' and raised concerns about Israel restricting journalists from visiting the war-torn Palestinian territory. Dozens of Palestinians have died of hunger in recent weeks in a crisis attributed by the UN and other humanitarian organisations to Israel's blockade of almost all aid into the territory. Two Israeli-based rights groups this week declared that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, with reports citing evidence including the weaponisation of hunger. B'tselem described an 'official and openly declared policy' of mass starvation. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion On Wednesday, Australia joined 14 other countries in describing the recognition of Palestine as 'an essential step towards the two-state solution', linking progress on statehood to the upcoming United Nations general assembly meeting in September. But Albanese also criticised calls for further actions against Israel as 'slogans' as he faced intensifying pressure from his MPs, Labor members and the Greens to reconsider his position on the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He has so far stopped short of matching his UK counterpart Keir Starmer's promise to recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel abides by a ceasefire and commits to a two-state solution. 'What I've said is that it's not the timeline, that's not what we're looking at. What we're looking at is the circumstances where recognition will advance the objective of the creation of two states,' Albanese said on Wednesday, a day before Wong met Maimon.
