Goalkeeper and referee attacked by fans in dark day for Australian soccer

Australian soccer is at rock bottom after fans stormed the pitch and attacked a player and official at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The match was called off as a result.

In troubling scenes, Melbourne City’s goalkeeper and a referee were attacked when unruly Melbourne Victory fans stormed the pitch at the 20 minute mark of the first half.

Flares were also thrown onto the ground.

Fans had planned on walking out of the stadium in protest of the A-Leagues’ controversial decision to sell the next three grand finals to NSW this week, but things escalated quickly.

It’s a savage blow for the sport, which had been reveling in the recent success of the Socceroos at the World Cup.

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)