Two men have made themselves known to authorities after police pledged ramp up their investigations into a wild pitch invasion during an A-League Derby match.
Wild scenes captured hundreds of spectators storming AAMI Park field on Saturday night as Melbourne Victory and Melbourne FC took to the field in the first half of the A-League match.
Some allegedly deployed flares.
“Investigations remain ongoing,” Victoria Police said in a statement on Sunday evening.
No arrests have been made and nobody has been charged as of Monday morning.
Police warned on Sunday they would be “knocking on a few doors” imminently in a bid to find those responsible.
Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover and referee Alex King were injured after allegedly being struck with a metal bucket full of sand, in what Victoria Police have called a “disgraceful” display.
A cameraman was allegedly struck in the back of a head with a flare, resulting in contusion and burnt clothing.
Police have released images of men they wish to speak to, with a spokesman saying they may be able to assist with investigations.
“What we saw last night from those who chose to invade the pitch was shocking, disgraceful and lacked total respect for the game of football,” Acting Superintendent Jason Goddard said on Sunday.
Superintendent Goddard was scathing in his assessment of the “disgusting” behaviour.
He warned police had a number of active and ongoing inquiries to make after seeing vision of the incidents and the men allegedly involved.
Superintendent Goddard warned charges could soon be laid.
“Detectives from our Northwest Metro Regional Crime Squad are working hard and I have no doubt we’ll be knocking on a few doors soon,” he said.
“I’m a lover of the game and I actually feel sad about what I saw play out on the pitch last night.”
Police and thousands of supporters have condemned the behaviour on what has been called footballs ‘night of shame’.
The match was abandoned as the fans took to the field in a bid to “protect the integrity of the match”, Football Australia said.
In a statement, they said such behaviour has “no place” in Australian football.
They promised “strong sanctions” against those alleged to have been involved.
