Melbourne City have provided an update on the wellbeing of goalkeeper Tom Glover, confirming that the 24-year-old required stitches due to a laceration inflicted on him by football thugs.
City's match with arch rivals Melbourne Victory was abandoned on Saturday night after fans encroached the pitch and attacked Glover, who had thrown a flare in their direction moments beforehand.
Glover was pictured sporting a nasty cut beside his right eye after a fan threw a bin at his face, in scenes that have shamed Australian football.
City initially said that the 24-year-old was most likely concussed from the assault, and have now provided a further update.
'Tom was assessed by our club doctor immediately following tonight's incident and required several stitches due to a laceration to his face,' the A-League club tweeted. 'He was taken to hospital for scans and further follow up checks.'
In a statement published shortly after the game was abandoned, Football Australia strongly condemned the despicable scenes that unfolded at AAMI Park, and confirmed there would be an investigation.
'Following shocking scenes during the first half of the A-League Men's match between Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC at AAMI Park on Saturday 17 December, where fans from the Melbourne Victory FC end entered the field of play, Football Australia match officials have abandoned the match in accordance with Law 5.3 of the Laws of the Game in order to protect the integrity of the match.
'Such behaviour has no place in Australian Football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions to be handed down.'
Both sets of fans had planned to walk out at the 20-minute mark as part of a protest towards the Australian Professional Leagues' decision to sell the next three grand finals to Sydney.
They had earlier chanted 'f*** the APL' while unfurling banners pre-game and during the match, and throwing flares onto the playing arena.
Victoria Police said no arrests had yet been made but it was investigating the incidents and was 'disappointed' with the actions of the 150-200 supporters who invaded the pitch.
In condemning its fans' actions, a 'devastated' Victory confirmed it would undertake a full investigation alongside AAMI Park and Victoria Police.
'The club unequivocally condemns the actions of fans at Saturday night's match against Melbourne City at AAMI Park,' the club said.
'The club would like to formally apologise to Tom Glover, match official, Alex King and the camera operator as well as all players, officials and those who witnessed the appalling behaviour.
'Melbourne Victory would like to reiterate there is no place in football for what was witnessed tonight.'
Professional Footballers Australia, the players union, welcomed the decision to abandon the match and said they had met with Victory and City players, who they would continue to support.
'The Melbourne Victory fans who stormed the pitch, resulting in the assault of a player, a referee and a member of match day broadcast staff, should be subjected to the strongest possible sanctions,' they said.
'We acknowledge the courage of players, club staff and referees who came to the aid of each other in circumstances that no one should ever be exposed to.'
Multiple footballers and Australian football figures condemned the scenes, especially in the wake of the Socceroos' golden World Cup run in Qatar.
'Our game is in tatters. An absolute disgrace what happened tonight,' Socceroos and Central Coast goalkeeper Danny Vukovic said on Twitter.
'Cannot believe we are here after such an amazing WC and so much potential to see our game grow.
'Irreparable damage done. Darkest day for football in Australia.'
City led 1-0 when the game stopped, courtesy of Aiden O'Neill's goal in the 11th minute.