Currently 29 people have been arrested in total as part of Operation Astute - the investigation into the pitch invasion during Saturday's A-League match at AAMI Park.
Of those arrested by North West Metro Regional Crime Squad:
• 1 is currently in custody being interviewed
• 24 people have been charged
• 3 have been issued with a fine or a caution
• 1 has been released pending enquiries
In addition to the 13 people charged earlier in the week, police have arrested an additional 16 people which are listed below.
Those charged and bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 28 February include:
• 28-year-old from Albert Park has been arrested today and is currently being interviewed. He is expected to be charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match and public nuisance.
• 25-year-old man from South Morang charged in relation to two alleged assaults on a security guard and a different Melbourne City player on the field. He has been charged with violent disorder, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, and riotous behaviour.
• 19-year-old man from Preston charged in relation to an alleged assault on a security guard and throwing a bucket into the field of play. He has been charged with violent disorder, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, and riotous behaviour.
• 21-year-old man from Sunbury has been charged with violent disorder, throwing a lit distress signal, possession of a lit distress signal, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, and riotous behaviour.
• 19-year-old man from Sunshine West charged with violent disorder, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, and riotous behaviour.
• 19-year-old man from Sunbury charged with violent disorder, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, and riotous behaviour.
• 18-year-old man from Lilydale has been charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
• 23-year-old man from Dingley Village has been charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match and public nuisance.
Those charged and bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 March include:
• 22-year-old man from Croydon has been charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
• 19-year-old man from Coburg has been charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
• 36-year-old man from Dingley Village has been charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match and public nuisance.
• 38-year-old man from Dingley Village has been charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match and public nuisance.
In addition to the above, a 30-year-old male from Spotswood has been interviewed in relation to allegedly invading the pitch and has been released pending enquiries.
Another three people have also been arrested and issued with a fine or a caution, including:
• 15-year-old male from Eltham has been issued with a caution for allegedly entering the field of play.
• 15-year-old male from Macleod has been issued with a caution for allegedly entering the field of play.
• A 23-year-old man from Moonee Ponds has been issued with an infringement notice for possession of an unlit distress signal.
Police have now identified 36 people in total from the incident and are continuing to make enquiries.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance in relation to criminal damage and release of flares and missiles including chairs, buckets and bottles during the pitch invasion. Images have been released of people who may be able to assist with their enquiries into these matters.
Detectives would like to thank the public for the assistance provided so far, and urge anyone with more information or who may know the identities of those pictured to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
