A-League: Melbourne Victory given suspended points deduction following pitch invasion

Following disturbances caused by the crowd during their A-League encounter against Melbourne City in December, Melbourne Victory was given a suspended 10-point deduction.

Up until the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season, each instance of “serious supporter misconduct” would result in the deduction.

One half of the match was abandoned due to a pitch invasion.

While Tom Glover, the City goalkeeper, and referee Alex King were cut on the face by a metal bucket, some spectators ran onto the field.

In addition, Victory was fined £250,000, or 450,000 Australian dollars.

The club have also been banned from selling tickets for the area of the ground from which the fans invaded the pitch. In addition, Victory fans will not be able to attend away games for the rest of the season, which is estimated will cost the club a further 100,000 Australian dollars (£57,000).

They were initially banned from selling tickets for home games until 15 January pending further investigations by Football Australia.

The match will be replayed in April starting from the 22nd minute, with City retaining the 1-0 lead they held when the fans invaded the pitch.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said the scenes were the “worst” the domestic game has seen since the A-League began in 2004.

“The field of play is sacred and the safety of our players and match officials is paramount,” he said.

“Those individuals that illegally entered the field of play, caused damage, and verbally and physically assaulted players and officials, crossed the line.

“The sanctions imposed on Melbourne Victory are a necessary step to ensure we create an environment where we place football first, and our community can enjoy matches.”

Victory issued a statement pledging to “comply with all sanctions” and to make future games a “safe environment for players, fans, and everyone involved”.

Football Australia has already banned 17 fans who were identified as being part in the event on December 17, some of them for life.