- In short: A man who injured an A-League goalkeeper with a bucket at a Melbourne match was handed a three-month jail sentence
- What's next? A lawyer representing Alex Agelopoulos immediately lodged an appeal against the penalty, meaning he has been granted bail until a December hearing
A violent football fan has been sentenced to three months’ jail, but immediately released on bail, for injuring an A-League goalkeeper with a metal bucket as a chaotic pitch invasion unfolded at Melbourne's AAMI Park last year.
Alex Agelopoulos’ attack on Tom Glover — and the footage of blood streaming down the Melbourne City player’s face — made headlines around the world.
Glover, who now plays for English Championship side Middlesbrough, suffered a cut that required 10 stitches and a concussion.
The pitch invasion occurred in the 22nd minute of the local derby between Melbourne City and the team Agelopoulos was supporting, Melbourne Victory.
The match was halted as Victory fans flooded the ground, some of whom attacked security guards, ripped seats out of the stands and climbed on top of the goal.
On Tuesday, Magistrate Rosemary Falla said she wanted to send a "clear message" that the actions of Agelopoulos and other pitch invaders would not be tolerated.
"You and your cohort have stained the very fabric of football in Australia," Magistrate Falla said.
"This will forever be remembered for the harm that was caused."
Goalkeeper now 'wary every time he steps onto the pitch'
Defence barrister Dermot Dann launched an immediate appeal against the three-month jail sentence, enabling Agelopoulos to be released on bail until his County Court appeal hearing in December.
The 23-year-old had pleaded guilty to violent disorder and entering a competition space without a reasonable excuse, however Mr Dann argued his actions were not serious enough to warrant a period of imprisonment.
Agelopoulos was accompanied to court by about 10 supporters, some of whom cried and held their heads in their hands when the magistrate announced she would be sending the football fan to jail.
Magistrate Falla said the incident had left the victim feeling fearful and anxious, and with a permanent facial scar.
"He's wary every time he steps onto the pitch," she said.
Tensions were already high leading into the December 17 game between Victory and City in 2022.
Supporters from multiple clubs were angered by the A-League's decision to shift the grand final to Sydney — a move that went against the longstanding practice of awarding hosting rights to the top preliminary final winner.
A peaceful walkout was expected to take place during the game. Those plans were quickly forgotten as more than 100 of Victory’s "active supporters" jumped the barricades when Glover lobbed back a flare that had been thrown in his direction.
Earlier this month, Mr Dann said Agelopoulos had written letters of apology but would forever have to live with being labelled 'bucket man' and 'bucket boy' by the media.
"That publicity will live with him forever. It will impact his course in life now," Mr Dann said.
In light of last year's pitch invasion, the A-League's governing body, Australian Professional Leagues, said it was continuing to work with clubs, Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) and Victoria Police "to ensure the best possible experience for fans and those who work at the venue".
"We've worked with all stakeholders to improve controls around ticketing and entry, plus other measures that will help all fans enjoy our game safely," a spokesperson said.
"The league and clubs meet regularly with VicPol and with M&OP — who manage the private security — to review and adjust any measures that will help all fans enjoy our game safely.
"As standard, the venue has put in place that 100 per cent of bags are inspected on entry, with continuous and targeted wanding of spectators at entry gates."
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2023-08-29 06:22:30Z
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