Men armed with giant wooden poles punch and kick a defenseless fan on the ground as violence erupts at a football match in Melbourne.

Police are investigating a violent fight that took place after a football match between rival clubs in Melbourne in which a man was hit with large sticks while on the ground.

The altercation broke out in the Northcote FC car park after the match between Preston Lions Football Club and Northcote Football Club on Friday night.

A video recorded at the time shows a group of men arguing before violence breaks out.

Moments later a man can be seen lying helpless on the ground while others beat him with what appear to be large sticks.

“Hey guys, stop using sticks,” the man can be heard saying.

‘Enough of the sticks!’ a woman shouts.

Another man can then be seen kicking the man on the ground in the head while a woman screams off camera.

The beating continues for several more seconds before the video abruptly stops.

Seven News reported that a witness said the victim had been clashing with rival supporters before the confrontation.

Victoria Police confirmed they were investigating the violent incident in a statement to news corporation.

“Emergency services were called to Clarendon St at around 10.30pm following reports of a group of men fighting,” a spokesperson said.

‘Upon arrival they located a man in his 20s with a head injury.

“They took him to the hospital for treatment.”

Football Victoria (FV) said they were also investigating the incident.

“FV condemns all forms of anti-social behavior and violence… This behavior and the individuals involved in it have no place in our game,” a spokesperson said.

“The FV has contacted both clubs, who join the FV in condemning the behavior and will cooperate fully with the investigation.”