Melbourne Victory respond to Football Australia sanctions, and hope to ‘move forward together’

Melbourne Victory has vowed a zero tolerance approach ahead of expected further sanctions following the Melbourne derby pitch invasion.

Melbourne Victory has promised a “zero tolerance” approach to bad spectator behaviour after agreeing to comply with Football Australia-imposed sanctions for the club’s involvement in last week’s pitch invasion at AAMI Park.

FA lashed Victory on Friday with a host of sanctions valid until January 15, including the club’s fans and members being banned from attending away games, and only members being able to attend home games.

Further sanctions are likely as investigations continue.

“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 club said in a statement 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 wishes to provide an update to its members, fans and stakeholders ahead of the Boxing Day match against Melbourne Victory.

— Western United FC 🏆 (@wufcofficial) December 23, 2022

Western United host the Victory on Monday at AAMI Park, with the banning of away fans to have a massive impact on the attendance and hurt United, who have 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 said in a statement.

“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 executive officer James Johnson said: “Any (financial) loss to other clubs as a result of Melbourne Victory’s supporters that invaded the pitch will be considered”

Originally published as Melbourne Victory respond to Football Australia sanctions, and hope to ‘move forward together’