Police have charged three people after several premeditated fights broke out and flares were ignited during a soccer match at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night.

Eighteen people were removed and two people issued with banning notices at the match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, police said.

Prior to the match, between 50 and 60 Western Sydney Wanderers supporters broke away from a march and ran towards a group of Sydney FC supporters, before a physical altercation took place between the two groups.

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Officers were forced to use capsicum spray and physically restrain several supporters.

Later police located several large bolts suspected to have been used as missiles, as well as a hammer, and a flare.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell said it was evident some spectators had planned the violent behaviour.

“The people involved in the incidents are not your ordinary sporting spectators. It is evident that some supporters came prepared to cause injury and ruin the night for others,” he said.

A total of 12 flares were also ignited outside the grounds and supporters from both teams prior to the match.

Officers arrested a man and issued a court attendance notice for possessing a flare.

Police said nine more flares and four smoke bombs were ignited within the Western Sydney Wanderers supporters area in the stadium, prior to and during the game.

Another man was arrested and issued a court attendance notice for throwing a missile, after allegedly throwing a bottle from the Sydney FC supporters section.

During the match a pitch invader was arrested by security staff entering the grounds from the Western Sydney Wanderers supporter section.

She was issued a court attendance notice and banning notice, and was removed.

Two other people were evicted for offensive behaviour, and eight other patrons were removed for intoxication.

Near the end of the game a fight broke out between two men within the Western Sydney Wanderers supporters section. Both were evicted.

Police enforcements had to be called to the stadium to prevent further violence.

A man from within a group of Sydney FC supporters was arrested for an alleged assault, and was issued a court attendance notice for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Following the match police were required to break-up an altercation between two groups of supporters.

Damage caused to stadium chairs, railings

Police say the behaviour of some fans prevents others from having fun. Photo: AAP

Significant damage was caused to seats and railings within both fan sections at both ends of the stadium.

About 50 chairs and several steel railings were broken or severed within the Western Sydney Wanders fan section.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Crandell said violent and anti-social behaviour was a particular problem at this event.

“Police and the community as a whole want matches like last night’s soccer match to be a family-friendly affair,” he said.

“The behaviour of some of the supporters last night, in particular from the Western Sydney Wanderers supporters section prevented those who want to watch the match from enjoying themselves.

“Last night the safety of the public, staff, and police were put at risk by people who have no respect for the sport.”

Investigations into the incidents will continue with police reviewing CCTV footage.