Football
Australian Associated Press 8y

Melbourne Victory face FFA sanctions after more A-League crowd troubles

Defending premiers Melbourne Victory face possible sanctions as Football Federation Australia prepares to act over flares ignited and bottles thrown by fans at the Melbourne A-League derby clash.

Incredulous and angry, FFA CEO David Gallop appears likely to issue the Victory with a show-cause notice over the Saturday night incident at AAMI Park.

It follows last weekend's use of flares by Western Sydney Wanderers fans in their clash with Victory at Etihad Stadium, which led FFA to hit the Wanderers with a show-cause notice, then an AU$50,000 fine and suspended deduction of three competition points.

Police said seven flares were lit before the derby game and two during the match.

Then in the second half, some in the Victory fan section showed their frustration with a disallowed free kick by throwing bottles onto the field toward Melbourne City keeper Thomas Sorensen.

"We are gathering information from Victoria police and others on the incidents that occurred before and during last night's A-League match at AAMI Park in Melbourne," said Gallop.

"In particular, we are deeply concerned by the ignition of flares inside and outside the stadium by people identified as Melbourne Victory supporters.

"Given the circumstances we found ourselves in after last week's incidents involving a section of Western Sydney Wanderers supporters at Etihad Stadium, it's staggering that some Victory fans chose to act in this way.

"The spotlight could not have been more on fan behaviour. We expect to be able to announce the next steps in relation to these incidents tomorrow [Monday].

"It is worth noting they have cast a shadow over what was a fabulous game of football.

"Clearly, we would prefer to be talking about a pulsating 2-2 contest that was an exciting exhibition of our players' skills and the closeness of our competition."

In total, seven people were evicted for disruptive behaviour, one for letting off a pre-game flare, one for entering the field of play, four for intoxication and three for discharging missiles after bottles were thrown. Two 17-year-old boys were also evicted for drug-related offences.

In terms of the use of flares the indiscretions were not at the same level of the Wanderers' fans -- who one week earlier let off more than 20 flares, including frightening detonators.

But Victory coach Kevin Muscat has seen enough and wanted to send a message to the criminal element in his the club's fan group.

"Its not acceptable," he said after the match. "In light of what we've seen in the last week, those individuals shouldn't come to our games any more.

"I sensed the reaction from the rest of the crowd ... they were fed up with individuals with their mindless acts.

"It's about time we grow up."

In a separate press conference, City coach John van 't Schip echoed his sentiment.

"We should not accept that and not accept it from our fans as well," he said. "The fans have to understand that they're penalising their own team.

"If you have the heart for the club then you should not do those things."

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