Soccer fans BANNED from all games of two popular Sydney teams after a wild brawl saw three hospitalised when spectators stormed the pitch armed with weapons
- Brawl erupted after soccer match in Rockdale, in Sydney’s south, on Sunday
- Rockdale Ilinden FC v Sydney United 58 FC game saw three people hospitalised
- Footage shows players fighting & spectators throwing crates, riot squad called
- Fans from both clubs now banned from home and away matches for rest of 2020
Soccer fans from two leading Australian semi-professional teams have been banned from attending games for the rest of the 2021 season following a wild brawl on Anzac Day.
Three spectators were taken to hospital after spectators stormed the pitch at the end of the Rockdale Ilinden FC versus Sydney United 58 FC round nine NSW National Premier Leagues clash in Sydney’s south on Sunday.
Riot squad police were also called as the ugly situation threatened to rapidly escalate between the two rival supporter groups soon after fulltime.
Football NSW confirmed on Tuesday both clubs will not have any fans at upcoming games they host for the rest of the season.
Rockdale and Sydney United supporters will also not be permitted to walk through the gates at any NPL NSW away matches across Sydney.
Rival fans (pictured above) from Rockdale and Sydney United were involved in a wild brawl on Sunday afternoon
The statement from Football NSW confirming all fans from Rockdale and Sydney United 58 will be banned from games in 2020 across Sydney following Sunday’s wild brawl
‘The measures will remain in place until the investigation is completed and outcomes determined,’ Football NSW said in a statement.
‘These measures apply to NPL NSW Men’s 1st Grade, under-20’s and FFA Cup matches.
‘An external, independent investigator has been engaged to review the incidents and propose any charges.
‘Football NSW is liaising with Football Australia regarding possible national and international sanctions against individuals that were involved in the incident.
‘Separately, Football NSW and both clubs are continuing to assist NSW Police with their investigation.
Rockdale Illinden is a club with proud Macedonian origins, while Sydney United 58 FC was founded by Croatian immigrants.
The rival squads eventually concluded their game following their late on-field stoush – when fired-up spectators began throwing crates and yelling expletives at each other.
On Monday morning, police charged a Granville man, 23, with rioting and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He will face Sutherland Local Court on May 18.
Tensions mounted late in the game between Rockdale and Sydney United 58 FC on Sunday in Sydney’s south (pictured above) following a bad tackle
Tensions were high when Rockdale and Sydney United supporters engaged in a wild brawl on Sunday afternoon (pictured)
Police are still searching for two men they believe can assist with their inquiries.
The first man has a medium build and wore a black jacket, grey cap and dark sunglasses.
The second man has a medium build and wore a black jumper.
Additionally, a police strike force – named Azure – has been formed in recent days to further investigate the incident.
The two teams concluded their game in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition when spectators (pictured) began throwing crates and yelling expletives at each other
Police are still searching for two men they believe can assist with their inquiries. The first man (pictured) has a medium build and wore a black jacket and dark sunglasses
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