Yet again, one of NPL Victoria's showcase fixtures has been overshadowed by the abhorrent actions of a small group of individuals whose behaviour has disgraced our game.
The scenes that unfolded surrounding the NPL Victoria match between South Melbourne FC (SMFC) and Preston Lions FC (PLFC) on Saturday, in the PLFC supporter stand and on the march to the venue by a group of PLFC supporters, were deliberately intended to provoke, divide and inflame. These acts were disgraceful and the people who committed them deserve no place in our sporting community.
These people are not football supporters. Football is not a platform for hatred, intimidation or vilification. Anyone who chooses to weaponise our game in that way is attacking everything that football stands for.
Football Victoria (FV) will work with the relevant club stakeholders, Victoria Police and venue operators to identify those responsible and pursue every available sanction. We have also commenced a full investigation into all incidents arising from Saturday’s match in accordance with our competition regulations. That process will include consideration of any existing disciplinary sanctions that may be applicable.
Our players, officials, clubs and their genuine supporters deserve better than what they witnessed on Saturday. If you come to football to spread hatred, incite division, intimidate others or undermine the safety and reputation of our game, you are not part of football. We will use every avenue available to identify you, hold you accountable and do everything within our power to ensure you are not welcome back.
Anyone that would like to share information, photos or footage - specifically of the PLFC supporter stand and march to the stadium - is encouraged to contact discipline@footballvictoria.com.au