Violence Ensues During Akon Concert

Police backup was required at Melbourne Park in Australia, when a group of up to 50 people rushed security guards to gain entry to an Akon concert.

ABC.net.au reports that 18 people, including two security guards, were injured in a series of fights in and outside of the venue, and that eight required hospitalization.

"They were all men aged between 22 and 54. They were all suffering cuts and bruising, some of them had to be given some pain relief," stated Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bently. Bently also revealed that paramedics treated four men who had been assaulted, and that some were treated by first aid at the venue.

"They were all taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition," said Bently of those hospitailzed.

So far, police have arrested one man, and are questioning several concert goers.

During the concert, Akon reportedly jumped into the crowd, urging fans by saying "calm down."

Music reviewer Rose Callaghan spoke on the spectacle, saying, "Groups of mostly guys, they were just kind of running around the whole area for no apparent reason and just starting fights."