Fierce rivals on the pitch, Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat and Melbourne City coach John van ‘t Schip had the same message for fans after their Melbourne Derby draw: Put the flares away, or stay home.

In footballing terms, Saturday night’s derby was an almighty spectacle.

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Two fantastic goals from City’s Bruno Fornaroli, the first of a quality almost unheard of in the A-League.

A frenzied response from the A-League champions, twice equalising in the 2-2 draw.

Gui Finkler’s free-kick was incorrectly ruled not to have crossed the line. AAP: Tracey Nearmy.

There were cards – eight yellow and one red – and there was controversy when Gui Finkler’s free-kick was not seen to have crossed the line.

But it also came with more unruly fan behaviour at a time when the league needs it the least.

Days after Western Sydney Wanderers were handed a $50,000 fine and a suspended three-point deduction for outrageous behaviour in the stands against Victory, the champions’ fans added their names to the rap sheet.

The match was briefly delayed twice because of bad behaviour from the ‘North Terrace’ fan group.

After their first equaliser, a flare was lit despite the hefty bans imposed on their title rivals and warnings from police.

In the second term, the fan group showed their frustration with the disallowed free kick by throwing bottles onto the field at City gloveman Thomas Sorensen, prompting Victory’s Besart Berisha and Leigh Broxham to try to calm them down.

The indiscretions were not at the same level of the Wanderers’ supporters — who let off more than 20 flares, including frightening detonators — and it would be a surprise to see Victory charged.

But Muscat has seen enough and wanted to send a message to the criminal element in his club’s fan group.

“Its not acceptable,” he said.

“In light of what we’ve seen in the last week, those individuals shouldn’t come to our games any more.

Red alert: the fiery Melbourne Derby on Saturday night. AAP: Tracey Nearmy.

“I sensed the reaction from the rest of the crowd … they were fed up with individuals with their mindless acts.

“It’s about time we grow up.”

In a separate press conference, van ‘t Schip echoed his sentiment.

“We should not accept that and not accept it from our fans as well,” he said.

“The fans have to understand that they’re penalising their own team.

“If you have the heart for the club then you should not do those things.”