FANS BANNED FROM BOXING DAY
MELBOURNE Victory fans will be banned from attending their club’s Boxing Day match against Western United following the pitch invasion at last weekend’s Melbourne derby at AAMI Park.
Football Australia on Friday announced a host of sanctions against the Victory that will be in place until January 15. With investigation continuing, further sanctions will soon be announced as the fallout from one of the darkest days in the history of Australian football continues.
“Whilst we continue our very thorough investigation following the inexcusable scenes witnessed at the Melbourne derby, Football Australia has issued Melbourne Victory with a series of strong sanctions which will need to be implemented to enable their participation in both the ALeague men’s and A-League women’s competitions until a final show cause determination is made,” Football Australia CEO James Johnson said.
“These sanctions come into immediate effect starting with Melbourne Victory’s A-League Men’s match on Boxing Day away to Western
United, and follow the sanctions issued against individuals earlier this week as part of a package of sanctions in response to the incidents witnessed at the Melbourne derby last weekend.
“These measures are an essential step for Football Australia, as it considers further sporting and financial sanctions that may apply to Melbourne Victory in the show cause determination process.
“Football Australia does not wish to penalise football fans during this time; however, our priority is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone within the venue.”
The sanctions imposed on Friday were separated into three categories for games until January 15..
For Victory home matches in that time, of which there is only one, a January 6 game against Brisbane Roar, the Melbourne club will be prevented from selling tickets to fans, with only valid club members able to attend. Home and away active bays will be closed, and tarps must be applied to at least the first four rows of seating behind the goal line at each end of AAMI Park. Tickets already sold to non-members will be refunded at the Victory’s expense.
For Victory away matches in Victoria between now and January, again of which there is only one, Monday’s game against Western United at AAMI Park, only valid members of the home team, and supporters of the home team who were in receipt of a ticket when ticket sales ceased at 11am (AEDT) can attend the match.
For the Victory’s two away games between now and January 15 – a New Year’s Eve clash in Gosford with the Central Coast, and a January 14 match against Adelaide United – only members and supporters of the home teams can attend the matches.