Fans have lit flares in Richmond ahead of Saturday night’s A-League grand final between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City at nearby AAMI Stadium.
Victoria Police promised a strong, visible presence at the game, and officers are lined up at just about every park, footpath and car park in the area surrounding the stadium.
Victory fans had planned to begin their march to the venue at 6pm from the corner of Lennox and Swan streets in Richmond.
Hundreds of fans wearing Victory blue have already stationed themselves along the pub strip of Swan Street, where some lit flares in front of uniformed officers.
There was some pushing and shoving around 6pm as worried fans ducked away from the flares, covering their eyes and mouths with scarves and beanies.
The release of flares may have excited some rowdy attendees, but the majority of fans were visibly annoyed.
Police seemed unfazed by the action, labelling the pre-game antics as the actions of “a few bad eggs”.
Officers have been directed to follow the crowds as they march to the stadium.
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