MELBOURNE: An Australian A-League clash between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City was abandoned Saturday after “shocking” scenes when fans stormed the pitch and attacked a goalkeeper, who suffered a suspected concussion.
The match was called off in the first half after a fan protest against a decision this week by league bosses to award the grand finals series to Sydney for the next three years turned violent.
Supporters of both sides were planning to walk out at the 20-minute mark, but Victory fans turned on City goalkeeper Tom Glover after he appeared to throw a flare back toward them.
Moments earlier a flare had hit a television cameraman on the back, local reports said.
Scores of fans invaded the pitch and one grabbed a metal bucket and threw it into Glover’s face as scuffles broke out and a group of men swung on the crossbar.
Play was halted and both sides left the field with the game abandoned.
“Tom Glover is receiving medical treatment in the dressing room and likely has a concussion,” tweeted City, who were leading 1-0 at the time, with pictures showing a bloody gash on his face.
Referee Alex King was also injured, Football Australia said.
“Following shocking scenes ... where fans from the Melbourne Victory FC end entered the field of play, Football Australia match officials have abandoned the match,” it said.
“Such behavior has no place in Australian football, with a full Football Australia investigation is to commence immediately, where strong sanctions will be handed down.”
Melbourne Victory said the club was “devastated” and apologized.
“The club unequivocally condemns the actions of fans at Saturday night’s match against Melbourne City,” it said.
“The club would like to formally apologize to Tom Glover, match official Alex King and the camera operator as well as all players, officials and those who witnessed the appalling behavior.”
The scenes sparked a scathing response from football pundits.
“I can’t believe what has happened! Not the way to protest! Very sad that it has come to this,” said former Australian international and English Premier League player Robbie Slater.
Former A-league goalkeeper Clint Bolton added that “I’ve never felt as embarrassed and as empty as I feel right now.”
Social media also lit up with one fan tweeting: “Truly shameful scenes that will be seen around the world,” while another added: “There’s a way to make your point and this ain’t it. Disgrace.”
Goalkeeper injured as fans invade pitch in Melbourne derby
https://arab.news/c5a2x
Goalkeeper injured as fans invade pitch in Melbourne derby
- Supporters of both sides were planning to walk out at the 20-minute mark
- Victory fans turned on City goalkeeper Tom Glover after he appeared to throw a flare back towards them
Patriots reach Super Bowl in blizzard-hit 10-7 win over Broncos
LOS ANGELES, US: Quarterback Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance since the glory days of predecessor Tom Brady with a blizzard-ravaged 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos Sunday.
In a low-scoring AFC Championship game played out in brutal conditions, Maye rushed for a first-half touchdown, and painstakingly drove the ball downfield after the break to set up a decisive field goal.
No further scoring was possible in the 21 degrees F storm, with the Patriots’ white uniforms barely visible as players slipped and slid across the snow.
“We battled the elements,” said Maye.
“These conditions, it’s not great throwing the football. But hey, we do what we need to do... We’re off to the Super Bowl. Let’s go!“
The Patriots will play either the Los Angeles Rams or the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, on February 8.
The win cements a remarkable resurgence for the Patriots.
After the dominant era of the Brady dynasty that yielded six Super Bowl titles, New England have endured a painful rebuild, going 3-14 in both the previous two seasons.
But under new head coach Mike Vrabel they were a revelation this season, winning 17 games so far and topping the tough AFC East for the first time since 2019.
‘Costly’
Prior to kickoff, all eyes were on the Broncos’ perennial backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who had not thrown a pass in competitive football for two years.
The 29-year-old was thrust into the spotlight when Broncos’ first-choice Bo Nix broke his ankle in the dying moments of last weekend’s victory over the Buffalo Bills.
An understandably nervy Stidham was swiftly and repeatedly blitzed by the Patriots, throwing a wild incomplete pass on an opening drive that ended with a punt.
Moments later his epic 54-yard hurl to Marvin Mims Jr paid off spectacularly, caught deep downfield. Stidham then found Courtland Sutton for the opening TD.
Stidham grew in confidence as the first half progressed, without adding to the lead. The Broncos declined a straightforward field goal attempt at 4th&1 on New England’s 14-yard line, and gave up a turnover on downs.
Then disaster struck, as Stidham fumbled on the Broncos’ 14-yard line for a turnover. Maye, who had been struggling badly, rushed for a touchdown and a 7-7 half-time score.
The fumble would prove “costly,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton admitted after the game.
‘Sick’
The dense snowstorm descended on Denver at the break, making passing difficult and forcing both teams to rely on their run games.
An attritional 18-play drive lasting nearly 10 minutes led to a field goal and slender lead for New England.
The conditions became almost comically treacherous, with multiple players slipping and sliding on nearly every barely-visible play.
Both sides missed multiple field goals in swirling cross-winds, including one blocked by Patriots tackle Leonard Taylor’s fingertips.
With the two-minute warning looming, Stidham attempted a hugely risky 30-yard pass and gave away an interception that proved vital in whiteout conditions.
“It was good at first, and then snow started coming down, wind blowing, I couldn’t see,” said defensive tackle Milton Williams.
“I’m coughing. I’m probably sick right now. But none of that matters. All that matters is that we won the game and we’re going to the Bowl.”
The Patriots, who already boasted the most Super Bowl appearances with 11, will now have their twelfth showing on American football’s biggest stage, and a chance to vie for a record seventh Lombardi trophy.
Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls playing alongside Brady for the Patriots, would be the first person to win the sport’s ultimate prize as a player and coach for the same franchise.
“I won’t win it — it’ll be the players that will win the game, I promise you,” said Vrabel.
