Brisbane’s star signing Marco Rojas scored a brace in a surprise 3-2 win over his former A-League Men club Melbourne Victory as Roar supporters group The Den staged a walkout at the Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The Den left the arena in the 25th minute, shortly after Rojas scored the first goal, in protest after fans had altercations with police along the way.
Fan footage showed Queensland Police officers appearing to push young fans, with Twitter users claiming they were pushed “for singing songs”.
‘Hey @brisbaneroar @QldPolice are you going to do anything about officers pushing kids?’ asked a fan.
“Well I for one feel a lot safer knowing that cops are yelling at teenagers for singing songs,” said a second fan.
“I hope police officers who are really proud of themselves will try singing songs with a teenager.” added another.
Brisbane Roar fans staged a mass walkout during their match on Sunday after alleging police mistreated them for no good reason.
A fourth fan posted: ‘The treatment given to young football fans at @brisbaneroar today was nothing short of disgraceful.
‘Children being pushed just for chanting and singing. When I told a police officer that “they’re just kids enjoying football,” she yelled that people like me are the problem.”
A Queensland Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: “Police instructed a 17-year-old boy and a 27-year-old man to move following alleged anti-social behavior in Milton this afternoon, March 3.
“It will be alleged that the duo were part of a large group of spectators behaving anti-socially and ignoring instructions from security staff before the start of a nearby sporting event.
“Investigations are ongoing and anyone with relevant CCTV or mobile phone vision is asked to contact police.
‘In a separate incident, a 16-year-old boy was arrested for disorderly conduct in Milton this afternoon after allegedly lighting a flare and is being dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
‘Overall, however, police were pleased with the behavior of the crowd at this afternoon’s event.
“The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping spectators safe and will always ensure a strong police presence before, during and after sporting events.”
Veteran Rojas, in his first start for the Roar, scored his first goal for the club with a composed, circular header after 18-year-old Thomas Waddingham’s shot was deflected by Victory goalkeeper Paul Izzo.
Victory’s Zinedine Machach tied it with a shot, making a cutting run down the left and ripping just inside the box with a shot that gave Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke no chance.
Rojas’ second goal was pure class when he unleashed a header at the far post after a perfect pass from Keegan Jelacic in the 56th minute.
He was substituted soon after, but an alert Waddingham stepped up to score after Izzo deflected a Henry Hore shot.
Roar interim head coach Ruben Zadkovich said it was “scary” to see how much more Rojas had to offer.
Fans were unhappy with the treatment they received from Queensland Police before kick-off.
The Roar beat Melbourne Victory 3-2 at Suncorp Stadium (pictured left, Marco Walen celebrates after scoring for Brisbane)
“I thought he was good at times and I thought he still has a lot to improve on,” Zadkovich said.
‘He’s been out of the game for a long time. But in the last few weeks he’s really started to tighten the screws in training.’
Official Roly Bonevacia sniffed out Victory when he came off the bench and scored in the 86th minute with a precision shot on his debut for the club.
The Roar remain in the final with 25 points. They are three points behind sixth-placed Western Sydney, but have played an extra game.
Victory are fourth and never got going against the Roar in hot and humid conditions.
“They were difficult conditions,” said Victory coach Tony Popovic, “but today our defensive effort was poor.”
Fans took to social media to criticize Queensland Police’s handling of the situation.
“We scored two goals, but I don’t remember us conceding three goals like that this year.”
Rojas was the star of the afternoon, his composure and silky touches of the ball being essential.
There was great drama in the embarrassing condition when a group of 30 to 40 supporters who were sitting in The Den seats at the north end of the stadium left.
A video of a fan shove with police was previously posted on social media site X. One police officer can be heard saying “that type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
Zadkovich was unaware of The Den’s departure.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of it, but our fans are fantastic and their support is exactly what we need here at home,” he said.