Four Victorian men have been banned from all AFL games for the next five years over a brawl as police ramp up their presence to crack down on game-day violence.
A father and son, aged 41 and 20 from Rosebud, and a 36-year-old Diggers Rest man, have been charged with affray over a fight that broke out just before the final siren of Collingwood's 19-point win over Carlton on May 11.
A fourth man, 27 from South Morang, was charged with affray after he handed himself in on Thursday afternoon following the police release of images.
Two of the men have had their Carlton memberships revoked for the five years of the AFL ban.
"Part of the of fabric of our game is you can go to the footy and sit with family and friends from your club and opposition fans, in a safe and welcoming environment," AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement.
"The benchmark is clear - if you come to the football and act like this recent example, you will be held accountable."
One man suffered minor injuries in Saturday's brawl at the end of Saturday's game, with one horrified spectator describing it as "Collingwood (and) Carlton supporters just full-on punching each other".
The brawl is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the MCG stands since the start of the AFL season.
Footy fans have been warned to expect a heavy police presence at games.
Victoria Police Commander Tim Hansen said this year there is an increased police presence at games, particularly those played between the big Melbourne clubs.
Commander Hansen said police had the power to also pursue bans from licensed premises for violent punters.
However he did not see a need for segregating supporters from different clubs.
"It would dilute everything that is great about AFL," he told reporters on Thursday.
The AFL has already imposed bans on several other fans involved in fights this season.
Australian Associated Press
