FLARES have been ignited in Sydney FC’s support area as the A-League grand final kicks off, with a cloud of smoke billowing across The Cove just before kick-off inside Allianz Stadium.

Earlier, as Victory fans met in pubs around the stadium another flare was let off and objects were thrown as fans formed up at the northern end of Moore Park.

The Melbourne supporters, who are hoping their team can upset this season’s form book by beating Premiers Plate winners Sydney FC, where marched to the stadium under a watchful eye from police.

Fans also chanted obscenities aimed at Sydney FC as they began marching towards the stadium.

There was no violence although The Daily Telegraph witnessed one person being searched by police and complaining that he had not “hit an officer”.

Officers told the teenager, who claimed he was 15, he was banned from the stadium for life for assaulting an officer.

Sydney FC is hoping to cap off a season in which they won the Premier’s Plate with a record-breaking points total by winning the grand final.

Huge crowds were in the Moore Park precinct, with Sydney Swans playing at the neighbouring SCG, and a sellout crowd has now packed into the stadium.

The match is taking place amid a heightened terror threat, with cops blocking off roads around the stadiums.