A flare is set off among Greek supporters in the crowd. Photo: Getty Images
Police have criticised the unruly behaviour of some soccer fans, both in Melbourne's CBD and inside Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night as the Socceroos played Greece in a friendly.
Flares were set off in the CBD before the game and inside the stadium during the game. Police were involved in five evictions during the game.
"Police have expressed their disappointment over the actions of a small number of fans who have acted with complete disregard for the safety of other supporters and families attending the soccer this evening," a police spokesman said on Tuesday night.
Andreas Samaris of Greece and Mark Milligan of the Socceroos compete for the ball during the friendly at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. Photo: Michael Dodge
"Letting off flares is a real risk to other patrons, especially children in the crowd and is incredibly irresponsible behaviour," the spokesman said.
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"Police will examine all CCTV footage to identify and prosecute anyone found to be carrying, or letting off flares, or committing other offences," he said.
Of the evictions during the game, three people were evicted for behavioural offences, one for having an unauthorised flag, and one for a flare offence.
"One person was refused admission and arrested for hindering police," the spokesman said.
The game was attended by a crowd of 33,622.
A large contingent of enthusiastic Greek fans marched through the CBD to Etihad Stadium before the much-anticipated game.
Video footage shows some Greek fans dancing and jumping around as a flare was set off in the CBD.