Exit Darwin Olympic from Norzone men’s soccer after breaches of the game’s code of conduct

ONE of Australia’s oldest soccer clubs is in a state of shock after its men’s sides were banned from Darwin’s Norzone competition

Darwin Olympic will have no men’s sides in this year’s Norzone soccer leagues.

ONE of Australia’s oldest soccer clubs is in a state of shock after its men’s sides were banned from Darwin’s Norzone competition.

Football NT has rejected an application from Darwin Olympic to enter men’s sides in the Premier League, Reserves and Division One competitions in 2020.

The exclusion does not include Olympic’s miniroos, juniors and women’s teams.

FNT president Stuart Kenny said in a statement that the decision was made after a catalogue of breaches of the code of conduct by Olympic officials, some players and some spectators through 2019.

“There has been a pattern of poor behaviour, which included threats and offensive

language directed toward match officials,’’ he added.

“This behaviour will never be tolerated, it is unacceptable, unnecessary and in stark contrast to the values inherent in the game of football both here in the Northern Territory and across the globe.

“We have zero tolerance to such conduct, especially when it involves young women, and it is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all that participate in our game, including young match officials who have been subjected to unacceptable abuse.”

The shock decision to ban the 27-time champions from all men’s competitions came on the same day Olympic held it’s Annual General Meeting to elect a new committee.

Local businessman Peter Mousellis was elected president, replacing the outgoing Charlie Kathopoulis at a critical time for the 53-year-old club.

Mousellis would not comment on whether his club would appeal the ban or take any legal action, saying only that the new committee needed time to soak in the full consequences of the suspensions.

“At the moment we’re getting our heads around what has happened and we’ll be waiting before making a comment,’’ he said.

“Right now our full focus is on Olympic soccer club and the consequences of what has happened, so we won’t be saying anything until we’ve got everything in place.’’

Kenny said FNT will provide a clear pathway for Olympic’s senior men to re-join the competition in 2021, on the condition the club adheres to and commits to the

values of football in the Northern Territory.