A VIOLENT clash between rival Serb and Croat supporters has rocked the opening morning of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
According to witnesses, the brawl erupted outside a merchandise tent when the two groups began trading insults.
Punches, bottles and beer cups were thrown as the two groups rivals clashed, with at least 40 police and security guards quickly on the scene quell the fighting about 12.15pm.
Police then raced to the scene to subdue the warring factions, who were dragged apart and then evicted from the venue.
Several Serbian supporters were held for questioning about the incident.
According to witnesses, a large group of Serbian supporters began chanting racist slogans at a crowd of Croats who were watching a match on Court Three.
The two groups then clashed with kicks and punches exchanged.
Horrified onlookers watched as the meeting escalated from a stand-off, to insults and then blows, before the police descended on the group in force.
Members of both groups were treated for minor injuries, although further details are yet to emerge.
The brawl was watched by a huge crowd, with large queues of people still seeking tickets still snaking out of the grounds well after lunchtime.
Police spokeswoman Katherine Jess said authorities had been watching the groups closely earlier in the day at Federation Square, where they had been chanting and lighting flares about 10am.
Ms Jess said about 200 Croatian fans had gathered the square this morning, before walking to the tennis
They showed a video of it on ESPN and the Croats were doing the Nazi salute and Mary Carilo was scared shitless haha
Gotta love our hate
Haha
Linear Mode
