A teenaged boy and eight men have been arrested over a street brawl that allegedly broke out between A-League soccer fans on Australia Day.
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Police continue to search for seven men wanted over the brawl that allegedly involved around 50 men in Melbourne CBD.
As fans poured out of the soccer match at AAMI Park between A-League teams Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC a fight allegedly broke out at 10.30pm on Flinders Street.
Melbourne and Sydney teams tied the January 26 match 1-1.
The 50 person skirmish extended two blocks along the busy road towards Flinders Street Station as security marshalls attempted to separate the opposing fans.
Police said two NSW men were treated by paramedics after sustaining facial injuries during the alleged brawl.
Affray charges for alleged hooligans
Detectives launched a public appeal for information in March and a series of houses were searched between March 25 and April 3.
A 24-year-old Lalor man and 23-year-old Berwick man were charged with affray while a 21-year-old Bulleen man and two 27-year-old Cairnlea men were charged with affray and failing to comply with a direction to assist.
These men were bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 13.
A 17-year-old Mount Waverley boy was issued with a caution for his alleged involvement in the brawl.
A 20-year-old Mount Duneed man, an 18-year-old Dandenong North man and a 26-year-old St Kilda man were released pending summons for affray offences, police said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Help is available:
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
- Phone Lifeline 13 11 14
- Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
