As part of Football Australia's ongoing investigation into the events that unfolded during the A-League Men's match between Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory FC at AAMI Park on Saturday, 17 December, the governing body has today confirmed that a number of sanctions are being imposed on Melbourne Victory FC for their continued participation in the A-League Men's competition whilst the Show Cause process continues.
As the regulator of the A-Leagues, Football Australia considers these sanctions are necessary to give immediate confidence to the fans and participants in this interim period.
While Football Australia's investigation continues, and before a final determination is made on the Show Cause notice issued, Melbourne Victory FC must comply with the below sanctions which are valid effective immediately and until Sunday, 15 January 2023 inclusive to continue to compete in the A-League Men's competition.
No determination regarding the final sanctions upon Melbourne Victory FC as part of the Show Cause process have been made as yet. This is due to the fact that Football Australia is still receiving related information that must be considered from Victoria Police, stadium operations, and security providers.
Melbourne Victory FC Away Matches played in Victoria during the period before the show cause is determined
- Only valid Members of the Home Team, and Supporters of the Home Team whom were in receipt of a ticket when ticket sales ceased at 11.00am AEDT on Friday, 23 December will be permitted to enter the Venue;
- The away active bays to be closed and the APL to ensure away active bays are cordoned off and tarps are applied to section/s of the Venue allocated to "Away Active Supporters";
- Refund any tickets that are not valid Club Members; where any ticket operator charges related to the refunds are borne by Melbourne Victory FC;
- Home and away active bays will be closed and therefore are to be cordoned off and tarps must be applied to at least the first four (4) rows of seating behind the goal line at each end of the Venue;
- An agreed number of supporter marshalls are positioned in the Venue; and
- Supporters of Melbourne Victory FC must not be found to have engaged in any behaviour in breach of the Code of Conduct while attending the relevant match.
Melbourne Victory FC Away Matches played in Victoria during the period before the show cause is determined
- The home and away active bays will be closed and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) to ensure home and away active bays are cordoned off and tarps are applied to at least the first four (4) rows of seating behind the goal line at each end of the Venue;
- Only valid Members of the Home Team will be permitted to enter the Venue;
- An agreed number of supporter marshalls are positioned in the Venue;
- The Home Team will be allowed to issue up 1000 complimentary tickets to a list of individuals pre-approved by Football Australia;
- APL to work with the Home Team to refund any tickets that are not valid Members of the Home Team, where any ticket operator charges related to the refunds are borne by Melbourne Victory FC; and
- Supporters of Melbourne Victory FC must not be found to have engaged in any behaviour in breach of the Code of Conduct while attending the relevant match.
Other Melbourne Victory FC Away Matches during the period before the show cause is determined
- The away active bays to be closed and the APL to ensure away active bays are cordoned off and tarps are applied to section/s of the Venue allocated to "Away Active Supporters";
- Only Members and Supporters of the Home Team will be permitted to enter the Venue;
- Melbourne Victory FC must use best endeavours to discourage the attendance of all supporters of the Club, including messaging that the Venue will be restricted to supporters of the Home Team only;
- APL to work with the Home Team to refund any tickets which are associated with a Victorian postcode or to any person that they reasonably believe is a supporter of Melbourne Victory FC, where any ticket operator charges related to the refunds are borne by Melbourne Victory FC;
- An agreed number of supporter marshalls are positioned in the Venue; and
- Supporters of Melbourne Victory FC must not be found to have engaged in any behaviour in breach of the Code of Conduct while attending the relevant match.
The implementation and practical enforcement of these sanctions will be the responsibility of the APL, relevant A-League clubs, and venue operators. Where compliance is found not to have occurred, further sanctions will be imposed by Football Australia.
"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 A-League Men's and A-League Women's competitions until a final show cause determination is made," explained Football Australia CEO James Johnson.
"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 on match days and that any unacceptable behaviour by spectators are not repeated at any football match or event ever again. We believe these measures will achieve this.
"Football Australia would like to acknowledge the cooperation of the APL and Melbourne Victory over the past week, and we are sure this will continue during our ongoing investigation, with a determination on the show cause sanctions to be made in due course," Johnson concluded.
As part of this investigation, Football Australia continue to work with Victoria Police and stadium operations to identify those who broke the spectator code of conduct during the Melbourne Derby on Saturday, 17 December.
Football Australia is also reviewing the conduct of some Melbourne City supporters at the Melbourne Derby. In the meantime, for Melbourne City FC home matches, Football Australia has also directed the APL to cordon off the home and away active bays until otherwise advised.
Victoria Police announced today that currently 29 people have been arrested in total as part of Operation Astute. Police have now identified 36 people in total from the incident and are continuing to make enquiries.
Victoria Police are continuing to appeal for public assistance in relation to criminal damage and release of flares and missiles including chairs, buckets and bottles during the pitch invasion. Police have released further images of people who may be able to assist with their enquiries into these matters.
Football Australia would encourage our football community and the wider public to provide any further information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
