Melbourne City goalkeeper cleared over flare throw that ignited A-League pitch invasion
Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover has escaped penalty for his involvement in the ugly A-League pitch invasion.
Several people have been charged after a swarm of spectators invaded AAMI Park during the Melbourne derby on December 17.
The chaotic scenes left Glover with concussion and "severe lacerations" after he was hit in the face with a metal bucket.
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But, in the aftermath, Football Australia suggested Glover himself could face sanctions, for throwing a flare which landed in a group of Melbourne Victory supporters.
Tom Glover of Melbourne City picks up a flare to remove it from the pitch at AAMI Park. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
It was immediately after that flare was thrown that the spectators broke over the fence and stormed the pitch, with many of them approaching Glover in an aggressive manner.
But now Glover has been cleared and is free to play in City's game against Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday.
"Since the independent MRP was satisfied that the incident had not escaped the referee's attention, the MRP did not proceed to consider whether Glover should have been sanctioned with a direct red card," Football Australia said.
"Accordingly, the MRP has not cited the incident pursuant to the regulations."
Glover has also been cleared of his concussion by club doctors.
