An Australian football match had to be abandoned after fans invaded the pitch and a goalkeeper was hit in the face with a metal bin.

The trouble began in the 20th minute of Saturday’s Melbourne derby when the referee stopped play after flares were thrown onto the pitch.

Video on social media appears to show Melbourne City keeper Tom Glover throwing one of the flares back into a stand of rival Melbourne Victory fans behind him.

Within seconds they charge over the barrier and stream towards him, with security unable to stop him being hit with a metal bin filled with white powder.

Video shows City players and subs running over to protect the keeper as the referee Alex King also makes a hasty retreat.

Former Manchester United player Nani was among the players forced off the pitch and appeared dumbfounded as he watched the melee.

Goalkeeper Glover was later pictured lying down as he got medical attention in the dressing room and the club tweeted that he likely had a concussion.

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The Australian Professional League said in a statement that the referee was also injured, but didn’t elaborate.

Football Australia, the game’s governing body, said the scenes at AAMI Park were “shocking” and warned of punishments.

It added: “Such behaviour has no place in Australian Football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions will be handed down.”

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