Arrests after flares lit at Melbourne Victory-City derby

One of the men was detained by fellow fans, who then reported him to police, while officers apprehended the second man, a police spokeswoman said.

"While police were happy with the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of the crowd during the match, a number of flares were let off outside the stadium after the game," she said. "The men will be interviewed by police and are expected to be charged."

A third man was arrested at the match for damaging his seat, police said.

Eleven people were evicted from the stadium during the match.

It's not immediately clear if the flare-lighters were Victory supporters.

The club came dangerously close to an FFA penalty for repeat flare-lighting late last year, but the self-policing of fans, who reported anti-social behaviour, played a factor in only receiving a reprimand.

Victory has embraced an anti-flare campaign and the vast majority of fans are speaking out against the handful of troublemakers who they fear give all supporters a bad name.

Police have previously described the problem as stemming from a small group of "hardcore" rowdy fans.