January 3 – Violence between fans of Australia’s Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers has triggered the Football Federation Australia (FFA) into action, with both clubs being charged with bringing the game into disrepute.
The FFA also told the clubs that their media statements blaming each other’s fans were inappropriate and damaging to the A-League.
Both clubs have previously been warned by the FAA about the behaviour of their fans and told that they could face points reductions if there was further misconduct.
Before the match last Saturday in Melbourne there was fighting outside a pub followed by the letting off of flares at the match.
The Victory then publicly blamed the travelling Wanderers fans for letting off the flares in the ground, while the Wanderers blamed the Victory for starting the street fights.
The FFA have requested the clubs make submission before the close of business on Monday before deciding on any sanctions – most likely to be points deductions
“Loss of points that have been won fairly on the pitch is a harsh penalty, but it’s in equal measure to the enormous damage caused by the type anti-social behaviour seen in Melbourne last Saturday,” said FFA CEO David Gallop. “We want a safe, enjoyable and family-friendly environment in the A-League and we won’t tolerate bad behaviour.”
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