WATCH: Melbourne derby abandoned as goalkeeper left bloodied after sparking pitch invasion by throwing flare into stands

• Protests planned before kick-off
• Fans agreed to walk out
• More drama sparked mid-game

WHAT HAPPENED? In the derby meeting between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, goalkeeper Glover hurled a flair into a section of the away crowd which led to furious supporters storming onto the pitch and throwing a flare bucket at the player's head. That left Glover with a nasty cut on his face and the game has since been abandoned, though City were leading 1-0.

The @aleaguemen Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park has been suspended after @MelbourneCity goalkeeper Thomas Glover was left with a bloodied face after a bin was thrown at his head following a pitch invasion. pic.twitter.com/QxwvU8VaJO

— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) December 17, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Tensions were already high as supporters were set to abandon the derby after 20 minutes in a protest against the decision to sell the A-League grand final to Sydney.

WHAT NEXT FOR GLOVER? The Melbourne City goalkeeper was left with a cut to the head and now has a suspected concussion.