Defending premiers Melbourne Victory face possible sanctions as Football Federation Australia prepares to act over flares ignited and bottles thrown by fans at the Melbourne A-League derby clash.
Incredulous and angry, FFA CEO David Gallop appears likely to issue the Victory with a show-cause notice over the Saturday night incident at AAMI Park.
It follows last weekend’s use of flares by Western Sydney Wanderers fans in their clash with Victory at Etihad Stadium, which led FFA to hit the Wanderers with a show-cause notice, then a $50,000 fine and suspended deduction of three competition points.
Police said seven flares were lit before the derby game and two during the match.
Then in the second half, some in the Victory fan section showed their frustration with a disallowed free kick by throwing bottles onto the field toward Melbourne City gloveman Thomas Sorensen.
“We are gathering information from Victoria police and others on the incidents that occurred before and during last night’s A-League match at AAMI Park in Melbourne,” said Gallop.
“In particular, we are deeply concerned by the ignition of flares inside and outside the stadium by people identified as Melbourne Victory supporters.
“Given the circumstances we found ourselves in after last week’s incidents involving a section of Western Sydney Wanderers supporters at Etihad Stadium, it’s staggering that some Victory fans chose to act in this way.
“The spotlight could not have been more on fan behaviour.
“We expect to be able to announce the next steps in relation to these incidents tomorrow (Monday).
“It is worth noting they have cast a shadow over what was a fabulous game of football.
“Clearly, we would prefer to be talking about a pulsating 2-2 contest that was an exciting exhibition of our players’ skills and the closeness of our competition.”
In total, seven people were evicted for disruptive behaviour, one for letting off a pre-game flare, one for entering the field of play, four for intoxication and three for discharging missiles after bottles were thrown.
Two 17-year-old boys were also evicted for drug-related offences.
In terms of the use of flares the indiscretions were not at the same level of the Wanderers’ fans – who one week earlier let off more than 20 flares, including frightening detonators.
But Victory coach Kevin Muscat has seen enough and wanted to send a message to the criminal element in his the club’s fan group.
“Its not acceptable,” he said after the match.
“In light of what we’ve seen in the last week, those individuals shouldn’t come to our games any more.
“I sensed the reaction from the rest of the crowd … they were fed up with individuals with their mindless acts.
“It’s about time we grow up.”
In a separate press conference, City coach John van ‘t Schip echoed his sentiment.
“We should not accept that and not accept it from our fans as well,” he said.
“The fans have to understand that they’re penalising their own team.
“If you have the heart for the club then you should not do those things.”
marron
Roar Guru
It'd be nice to think so Q but remember, a 5 year ban means nothing, I don't think booing will make them think twice.
Fadida
Guest
It was a tv interview, so no link
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
Oh god. Really? Do you have a link? He really is the gift that keeps giving.
Qantas & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
True-Fan-People-Power: I believe the true Melbourne football fans (both sides) booed those flares when lit in the stadium. This is a powerful tool the true football fans can continue with across the A-League---to stop the morons from lightening up flares. I hope this catches on when a flare is lit; i.e. the true football fans at the stadiums boooooo those culprits responsible. I think when the boos get louder and louder the flares will stop.
Waz
Guest
Rather focus on consistency of punishment the FFA need to concentrate on a consistent and fair procedure, not something they have a reputation for. Each incident must be dealt with appropriately and not merely "Wanderers got this therefore you get the same ...." as to whether Victory cop the same punishment as Wanderers is really dependent upon the history of offences. The procedure is important simply because the punishment on its own will never work, it never does, and a holistic solution is required which comes with a bloody big "but" ...
Fadida
Guest
I'm not sure if my ears were deceiving me at the end of a long night, but did I hear Eddie Maguire suggesting anti-terrorism measures for "sockah" fans lighting flares? I'm with Fuss on this. SMELL THE FEAR!
Fadida
Guest
Agree. Morons of the highest order
AR
Guest
So it *was* flares plural. Huh. Anyway, you'd have to expect the Victory will be handed the same penalty as WSW. Gallop is right here. Given the past week, it's unbelievable that some Victory fans would be lighting flares as they marched to the stadium and more when they were inside. Just extraordinarily dumb.
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
"I’d rather watch MVFC in the NPL for the next 12 months." Same here.. And just imagine.. all the cevapi and souvas we could eat.
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
"Everyone else in the country is already completely assured that MV are the darlings of the FFA as we have seen time and time again with the changing rules to allow them to do what they want with players" Ok so that's false, everyone knows that the "f" in SFC stands for FFA.. The veteran rule.. You don't agree with it? When BRFC are in a position to employ it, will you still be complaining? Perth glorys cap rort was a good thing in the sense that it made a mockery of an already laughably debilitating cap.. Which mayve even led to the veteran rule you're talking about being introduced.,(but don't quote me on that.. I just recall it all happening around the same time..) And then there's mcfc with their recent wrangling and bypassing of the transfer rule, ala caceras, which is also a way of forcing the issue with FFA.. Drawing attention to an idiotic rule that doesn't allow transfers between clubs... Now the other transfer rule that enabled us to get troisi last time has been abolished.. Are you happy about that? You want to make it more difficult to bring talent to this country? You, like the FFA are being cannibalistic.. Cutting your own nose off.. Doesn't make any sense...
FIUL
Guest
I think MVFC should lose all points from this season & the next 2 seasons. In fact, if it were not for TV rights contracts, I think a fair & reasonable penalty would be to ban MVFC from ALeague for the next 12 months. I'd rather watch MVFC in the NPL for the next 12 months than put up with this continuous hysterical nonsense from fans outside Victoria.
BES
Guest
Really if this does NOT result in exactly the same penalty being handed to MV as was just handed to WSW, then there will be and ought to be riots in the streets. I am totally in favour of the penalty handed to WSW, but the last thing in the world we need is for the RBB to be given even the slightest credence to their pathetic claims of being singled out for specific negative attention. This could well be a make or break moment for the FFA here..... Everyone else in the country is already completely assured that MV are the darlings of the FFA as we have seen time and time again with the changing rules to allow them to do what they want with players - so if there is the slightest hint of leniency here, there really needs to be some heavy explaining. Unfortunately, I am not holding up much hope that justice will be done here....
Mister Football
Roar Guru
You'd have to say that the FFA must hand the Victory the identical sanction. It's a good thing for the FFA that the two clubs fined a total of $100,000 are the ones who can best afford to pay it.