Melbourne Victory braced for same suspended points penalty as Western Sydney Wanderers over fan behaviour

MELBOURNE Victory braced for the same $50,000 fine and suspended points sentence as Western Sydney after being served with a show-cause notice over fan behaviour.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 13: A flare is ignited in the Melbourne Victory supporters area of the crowd during the round 19 A-League match between Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on February 13, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE Victory is bracing for the same $50,000 fine and suspended points sentence as Western Sydney after soccer chiefs slapped it with a show-cause notice regarding fan behaviour at Saturday's derby.

But regardless of what transpires after Tuesday’s 4pm deadline for the club to show Football Federation Australia why it should not be sanctioned for bringing the game in to disrepute, Victory chief executive Ian Robson wants this to be a line in the sand moment as to what is deemed acceptable in the stands at A-League games.

Meanwhile the 198 banned fans now have the right to an appeal while those accused of violent offences in future will be served with “an intent to ban notice” rather than an immediate ban, under sweeping changes announced by FFA.

It follows a review process established after fan boycotts over the perceived injustice of a handful of the banned fans having no right of appeal. The changes were announced on Monday in Sydney after an FFA board meeting.

At least one flare was let off by a Victory supporter inside AAMI Park on Saturday night, several others were ripped as fans marched to the ground while bottles were thrown on to the field after the team had a clear goal disallowed.

A television camera crew were also harassed during the fan march to the game, which came just seven days after numerous flares and detonators were let off by Wanderers supporters inside Etihad Stadium.

Robson refused to speculate on what punishment the club may receive but said that fan marches, while a “fantastic celebration” prior to sporting events in their purest form, will form part of “an entire review” to be conducted with all stakeholders.

“We cannot say strongly enough how disappointed we are to find ourselves in this situation,” Robson said.

“We refuse to allow the reckless behaviour of a small minority to define what this club stands for.

“Our resolve only gets hardened as a consequence of the very disappointing circumstances that occurred on Saturday night.

“The overwhelming majority (of Victory fans) stand with us and this football club for what we want to be seen as and we need to stand together to marginalise and eradicate this behaviour.”

Despite having the ability to issue $6000 penalties for throwing a lit flare, Victoria Police was unable to confirm how many people it has actually fined for doing so.

Robson also wouldn’t be drawn by more rhetoric from assistant commissioner Stephen Leane, who suggested empty-stadium notices had stopped Europe’s flare problems.

“I think we need to be very, very supportive of Victorian Police,” he said.

“Their members do a very, very difficult job in challenging circumstances.

“So our frustration, our disappointment, is on that small minority of individuals who display reckless behaviour, who show no care or attention for our club.”

Fans cited going forward will be given the chance to see the evidence against them and appeal to an independent body before they are banned from attending games.

Under new procedures outlined by A-League bosses, a new Football Independent Banning Appeal Committee will be appointed.

“It shows if we all work together we can ensure the unique passion and atmosphere at football matches is celebrated and preserved for all true football fans as we strive to grow the game,” FFA CEO David Gallop said.

Originally published as Melbourne Victory braced for same suspended points penalty as Western Sydney Wanderers over fan behaviour