Abandoned match clubs cop draw ruling on chin

FNQ Football Premier League teams involved in a controversially abandoned game last week have agreed to their game being recorded as a 0-0 draw, as zone officials backed referees for taking decisive acSYDNEY tion against poor crowd behaviour.

The vital match-up between Marlin Coast and Leichhardt last Sunday was abandoned with just minutes left.

The referee awarded a penalty to Leichhardt, which Rangers players argued occurred outside the box and should have been a free kick for a foul. Several yellow cards were issued, but when fans became involved the referee abandoned the fixture.

The Rangers led 4-3 at the time, but Leichhardt were not afforded the chance to take their penalty shot. The highstakes nature of the game – any result could have a major bearing on the composition and potential finishing positions of the top four teams – meant FNQ Football sought advice from the state body.

FNQ Football announced late last week the game would revert to a 0-0 draw, and sparked James Tweed’s decision to quit as Rangers coach.

The local controlling body confirmed yesterday all cards were rescinded, but administrator Alex Srhoj backed his officials for the decisive manner in which they acted

“We believe it’s the best outcome for all three parties – the teams and our referees,” Srhoj said. “We don’t condone bad spectator behaviour.”

Srhoj said it was a chance for the zone and local clubs to take action to stamp out poor crowd behaviour once and for all. FNQ Football will back its referees to make decisions in the best interest of player, official and spectator safety.