Fans of A-League side Melbourne Victory have been banned from Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium, with officials blaming a history of "violent and riotous behaviour" for its decision.
- Only Adelaide United members and ticket holders with a SA postcode will be allowed to attend the March 9 game
- The decision follows a high-profile pitch invasion at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium last year
- Adelaide Venue Management said it had "ongoing safety concerns"
Only Adelaide United members and ticket holders with a South Australian postcode will be allowed to attend the A-League men's game, scheduled for March 9, between United and Victory.
The decision follows a high-profile pitch invasion involving Victory fans at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium last year, which resulted in that match being abandoned.
Fans from the Victory active area stormed the pitch and Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover was struck with a metal bucket and injured.
Two security guards and a Channel 10 cameraman were also injured.
Hindmarsh Stadium operator Adelaide Venue Management (AVM) said it had met with A-League management to address "ongoing safety concerns" but accused the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) of "ignoring their concerns".
AVM also pointed to crowd issues in a match between United and Victory last season.
"The first, held in November 2022, had Melbourne Victory supporters present, and was plagued with the usual violent and riotous behaviour that has become synonymous with this fixture, resulting in unacceptable risk to many in attendance," the stadium operator said in a statement announcing the decision.
"It is important to acknowledge that Melbourne Victory supporters are not solely responsible for the violent behaviour and safety issues at these matches.
"Many Adelaide United 'casuals' attend this fixture each season with the core purpose of engaging in high-risk behaviour and provoking Melbourne Victory supporters, police and security."
Adelaide United and the APL have been contacted for comment.
AVM said the decision could still be reversed if the APL agreed to "improved safety measures", also flagging the possibility of the game being shifted to Adelaide Oval.
After the incident in last year's match against Melbourne City, Victory was fined around half a million dollars.









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