Melbourne A-League fan charged over flare

A teenage boy has been charged with lighting a flare at a train station before an A-League match in Melbourne this week.

The Lilydale boy, 17, allegedly lit the flare among a group of people preparing to march from Southern Cross station to nearby Etihad stadium for Melbourne Victory's match against Sydney FC.

The teen has on Friday been charged with throwing a flare, possession of a flare, and conduct endangering persons.

He has been bailed to appear before the Children's Court at a later date.

Victoria Police want people to remember that flares can be dangerous when used inappropriately.

"You're not just putting the life of everyone around you at risk, you're also risking your own," Acting Superintendent Peter Ward said.

"We urge anyone thinking of letting off a flare outside an emergency situation to reconsider."