Football Victoria welcomes recent tribunal decisions which underline ongoing Respect The Game Campaign

Football Victoria (FV) CEO Peter Filopoulos today welcomed tribunal decisions in the past two days which underline FV’s call to Respect The Game and our determination to continue taking a stand against abusive behaviour.
 
“We all need to keep working together to keep our game strong, providing a safe, enjoyable environment that protects participants, match officials, club administrators, volunteers and spectators. Football Victoria supports the following tribunal decisions which have delivered strong findings against poor behaviour at matches, Filopoulos said.”
 
Westgate FC vs Hoppers Crossing SC
Men's State League 2 North-West
 
This case saw Westgate FC receive a 6-point penalty in the Men's State League 2 North-West league (of which they were on top of the ladder), a $3500 club fine and a club associate banned for life after a can of alcohol was thrown at a referee after the game. The can struck the referee in the head. 
 
Melbourne Knights FC vs South Melbourne FC
FFA Cup Round 7

Melbourne Knights were found guilty of five offences. These included the lighting of flares and racist chants by supporters. As a result, Melbourne Knights received a 3-point deduction from the NPL Victoria Senior Men’s competition (of which they were in 6th position), and a $5000 club fine. A Melbourne Knights associate was further banned for 4 weeks following expulsion from the technical area. South Melbourne FC was also found guilty and fined for participating in a melee.
 
Essendon Royals SC v Preston Lions FC  
Boys North U18A

Both Essendon Royals SC and Preston Lions FC were found guilty of participating in a melee with both receiving suspended fines and Essendon Royals SC being subject to a 6 point suspended sentence. The most serious of three red cards also saw a 13 match ban handed down.
 
“Football Victoria can, and will, continue to call on a variety of sanctions and stands ready to heavily punish misconduct and do everything we can to stamp this behaviour out of the game”, Mr Filopoulos concluded.