Craigieburn City has been applauded for withdrawing entire team after violent clash

Fledgling club Craigieburn City has been applauded for its swift decision to ban an entire team after on-field violence during a recent match, saying the club has a strict zero tolerance policy.

Craigieburn City has banned an entire team for on-field violence.

Craigieburn City has taken the extraordinary step of withdrawing an entire team for on-field violence.

The club’s Metropolitan League 6 North West men’s team was suspended for the remainder of the season after a fight broke out in the Round 12 clash against North Melbourne Athletic at Aston Fields.

City has been applauded for its stance against anti-social behaviour and swift banning of players allegedly involved.

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President Paul Dugo said the club had a zero-tolerance policy when it came to such behaviour.

“The club has got a code of conduct and we expect everyone to follow it,” he said.

“All teams are aware of the code of conduct, we’ve had seminars at the club about respect, and we’ve taken a zero tolerance stance.

“Any anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated. The Metro 6 team broke the code of conduct and we have to stick true to our zero tolerance stance.”

Dugo said Craigieburn City was open to restarting the team next season but alleged instigators would not be welcomed back.

“To be honest, the team can return next season but individuals need to be held accountable for their actions,” he said.

“Not all individuals will be accepted back to the club.”

Craigieburn City has risen rapidly through the ranks in recent seasons with the club’s senior men’s team earning back-to-back promotions in 2017 and 2018.

City are mid-table in State League 3 North West this season.

The club also has a women’s team in State League 3 North and another chasing promotion in State League 5 North West.