Soccer friendly sparks anti-social behaviour

A friendly game between the Socceroos and Greece at Etihad Stadium last month was marred by anti-social behaviour.

Police were involved in the eviction of five people from the stadium during the game, one for an unauthorised flag, three for behavioural offences and one for a flare offence.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said no charges had been laid yet in relation to the incidents. Investigations are continuing.

The match was the second fixture of the Socceroos V Greece Dodoni Series. Greece took out the game 2-1.

The incidents at Etihad Stadium followed up to 30 flares being let off as a crowd of about 200 marched from the city’s Greek precinct on Lonsdale St towards Etihad Stadium before the game.

The Football Federation of Australia (FAA) expressed its disappointment over the behaviour of the small number of fans.

“FFA reiterates its firm position. We do not want these people at football matches in Australia,” an FFA spokesperson said.

“FFA will work with Victoria Police to identify the offenders and impose mandatory bans of five years on those found to have ignited flares.”

“The vast majority of the 33,000 crowd brought credit to the fame with their passionate support and we thank them for their attendance.”