Melbourne Derby: Shocking scenes as City’s Thomas Glover is hit by a bin in A-League
Glover #Glover
The Melbourne Derby descended into ugly scenes on Saturday night as City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was left bloodied on the pitch.
The clash between Melbourne’s biggest clubs, Victory and City, was already engulfed in controversy amidst outrage that the A-League had decided to locate the next three grand finals in Sydney.
The Australian Professional Leagues had agreed a deal with Destination NSW, which runs until the end of 2025, worth a reported eight-figure sum.
Why are A-League fans angry?
Previously, since the start of the A-League in 2005, clubs had to earn the right to host the grand final based on how they performed in the final series.
But the controversial call to move away from tradition has sparked protests around the country with Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro even resigning from his position as an APL director.
In light of the divisive move, both sets of fans in Melbourne were due to stage a mass walkout in the 20th minute in order to make their feelings abundantly clear to the powers that be.
Qatar 2022: The ultimate World Cup quiz What happened in the Melbourne Derby?
Instead, however, the behaviour of fans in the meeting between City and Victory took on an altogether more distasteful aspect with tensions spilling over come the 21st minute.
It was at this point that supporters can be seen encroaching on the pitch, leaving the players to standing around and watching on in disbelief as they’re unable to continue the game.
The broadcast footage shows a flare bouncing across the City penalty area, before goalkeeper Thomas Glover quickly found himself surrounded by incensed fans with only the protection of a lone steward and match official.
At first, Glover seemed relatively safe, but things quickly got out of hand when a fan went right up to him and then, just seconds later, a bin can be seen flying into the face of the Australian shot-stopper from a location out of shot.
While the overall scenes are of course shocking in general, it’s the sight of Glover being struck with what looks to be a fairly hefty metal object that is particularly distressing.
Video: Glover struck with bin during Melbourne Derby
According to the Daily Mail, City have confirmed that Glover has likely suffered a concussion and that he is receiving treatment in the dressing room.
More to follow…
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