- On January 26, a public brawl took place in Melbourne’s CBD
- Followed ‘Big Blue’ A-League match at AAMI Park
- Police have released images of the men they are looking for
Police are on the hunt for nine men after a wild Australia Day brawl involving up to 50 football fans in Melbourne’s CBD.
Images of the men have been released, which investigators from Victoria’s North-West Metro regional crime squad believe will help with their investigation.
The brawl followed the Melbourne Victory versus Sydney FC A-League ‘Big Blue’ at AAMI Park on January 26 and took place on Flinders St, near the Batman Ave Bridge, at approximately 10.30pm.
Police confirmed that a ‘large number of people’ were involved in the brawl, which continued towards nearby Russell Street despite several security guards trying to intervene.
Several people involved in the public fighting appear to have suffered injuries, including two NSW men aged 39 and 38, who was treated at the scene by paramedics for significant facial injuries.
Police are hunting nine men (all pictured) after a wild Australia Day brawl involving up to 50 football fans in Melbourne’s CBD
The brawl followed Melbourne’s win against Sydney FC ‘Big Blue’ at AAMI Park on January 26 (pictured left, Sky Blues star Anthony Caceres)
Detective Inspector Geoff Owen of the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad appealed for anyone who was a victim of the incident to come forward.
‘This kind of behavior is just not okay. “We all know that a split-second decision to be violent can have life-changing consequences,” he said.
‘That’s why we’re taking this so seriously, to send a clear message to those who think they can behave this way and get away with it.
“If you or anyone you know was assaulted during the incident, please contact police.
“It’s not too late.”
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
