Post by Bearinator on Sept 10, 2007 8:55:11 GMT 10
Victory fans may be banned - Fox Sports
SOME Melbourne Victory fans may be banned from A-League venues after throwing flares during Friday night's away game against Adelaide United.
Flares were ignited and thrown during the 1-1 draw, which featured an excellent performance by the team, but not by a minority of the fans.
Several Victory supporters were ejected from Hindmarsh Stadium by security and police. A flare was also thrown from a section of Adelaide supporters.
Clubs could be sanctioned if the problem is not curbed.
Football Federation Australia will consider the venue manager's report today before deciding whether to take action.
The authorities and clubs are determined to weed out troublemakers.
"We'll get the report, then we'll talk to the clubs about it," A-League media manager Adam Mark said yesterday.
"There were a number of people ejected and we'll be asking Melbourne to support us as we try to identify the people. We just want to create a safe environment for everyone to enjoy the game."
FFA operations manager Rob Abernethy was at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night and saw the flare throwing and ejections.
He discussed the situation with Victory chief executive Geoff Miles.
While Victory officials point out flares are a problem at all levels of football, they are committed to stamping out the practice, which can be dangerous to spectators and hinder players.
"The level of ejections from the game was small when talking about other major sports," Miles said yesterday.
"But clearly it is a very small number of young people who believe lighting flares is acceptable. It is not acceptable and they are facing some very serious consequences.
"We're disappointed that one or two young people choose to ignite them, but we don't believe the club should suffer sanctions."
According to South Australian police, 15 people were ejected from Hindmarsh Stadium during the game for minor disturbances, but there were no arrests.
Police did not say how many of the 15 were Victory supporters.
Miles said the venue manager reported seven ejections.
SOME Melbourne Victory fans may be banned from A-League venues after throwing flares during Friday night's away game against Adelaide United.
Flares were ignited and thrown during the 1-1 draw, which featured an excellent performance by the team, but not by a minority of the fans.
Several Victory supporters were ejected from Hindmarsh Stadium by security and police. A flare was also thrown from a section of Adelaide supporters.
Clubs could be sanctioned if the problem is not curbed.
Football Federation Australia will consider the venue manager's report today before deciding whether to take action.
The authorities and clubs are determined to weed out troublemakers.
"We'll get the report, then we'll talk to the clubs about it," A-League media manager Adam Mark said yesterday.
"There were a number of people ejected and we'll be asking Melbourne to support us as we try to identify the people. We just want to create a safe environment for everyone to enjoy the game."
FFA operations manager Rob Abernethy was at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night and saw the flare throwing and ejections.
He discussed the situation with Victory chief executive Geoff Miles.
While Victory officials point out flares are a problem at all levels of football, they are committed to stamping out the practice, which can be dangerous to spectators and hinder players.
"The level of ejections from the game was small when talking about other major sports," Miles said yesterday.
"But clearly it is a very small number of young people who believe lighting flares is acceptable. It is not acceptable and they are facing some very serious consequences.
"We're disappointed that one or two young people choose to ignite them, but we don't believe the club should suffer sanctions."
According to South Australian police, 15 people were ejected from Hindmarsh Stadium during the game for minor disturbances, but there were no arrests.
Police did not say how many of the 15 were Victory supporters.
Miles said the venue manager reported seven ejections.
I shudder to think what will happen before, during, and after the Sydney/Melbourne game at the SFS in October......
for everyone who is a Victory and Adelaide supporter!!!!