Melbourne Victory has promised a “zero tolerance” strategy to unhealthy spectator behaviour after agreeing to adjust to Football Australia-imposed sanctions for the membership’s involvement in final week’s pitch invasion at AAMI Park.
FA lashed Victory on Friday with a number of sanctions legitimate till January 15, together with the membership’s followers and members being banned from attending away video games, and solely members with the ability to attend dwelling video games.
Further sanctions are doubtless as investigations proceed.
“Melbourne Victory will comply with all sanctions handed down by FA today and is working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure its matches moving forward will be a safe environment for players, fans and everyone involved,” the membership mentioned in a press release on Friday.
“The club will also work alongside FA and the A-Leagues for a quick resolution to the show cause process so that all parties including the A-Leagues, clubs, players and spectators have a clear outcome on the matter and we can move forward together.
“Melbourne Victory would like to take this opportunity to again reiterate that the actions witnessed at last Saturday night’s match have no place at Melbourne Victory or in football.
“There is zero tolerance for any aggressive or anti-social behaviour at this club and in this game.”
Western United host the Victory on Monday at AAMI Park, with the banning of away followers to have a large affect on the attendance and damage United, who’ve a small supporter base, financially.
“While the club would have loved for the Boxing Day spectacle to include big support from both sides, the safety of all who attend the match is paramount and these sanctions allow the Green and Black faithful to come together and cheer on the team as one,” United mentioned in a press release.
“Western United will continue to keep its fans informed as the situation unfolds and will notify members immediately if anything changes.
“The priority of everyone at Western United remains to create the most enjoyable, family friendly and safe experience for all at each game.
“Western United hopes to see as many of its members at the match as possible to help our boys over the line in a big game.”
Football Australia chief government officer James Johnson mentioned: “Any (financial) loss to other clubs as a result of Melbourne Victory’s supporters that invaded the pitch will be considered”
