FFA has taken action against Melbourne Victory after some of their fans ignited flares before and during the Melbourne Derby on Saturday night.
A number flares were ignited by some Victory fans during the prematch march to AAMI Park as well as a small number inside the ground. FFA argues those fans brought to the game into disrepute.
Victory now have until 5:00 pm AEDT Wednesday (15 February) to respond to the show cause notice.
The action comes just a week after Western Sydney Wanderers were issued with a show cause notice for the behaviour of their fans at Etihad Stadium against the Victory two Saturdays ago.
READ MORE: Coaching counterparts Kevin Muscat and John van’t Schip fed up with poor behaviour
In that instance, the Wanderers were fined $50,000 and handed a suspended three-point deduction.
FFA CEO David Gallop reiterated his surprise and displeasure that this incident came so soon after the events that transpired at Etihad.
“FFA has today issued Melbourne Victory with a show cause notice after receiving detailed information from Victoria Police and others that identifies some Melbourne Victory supporters as taking part in actions that have cast a shadow on football,” Gallop said in a statement.
“The timing of these incidents has shocked many people given the acute focus on these issues. No one could have missed the fact that FFA, our clubs, players and coaches have been explicitly clear in our condemnation of actions over the last week around the ignition of flares.
“We must continue to hold the safety and enjoyment of true football fans at the heart of our decisions.
“The reaction of a section of Melbourne Victory fans, players and coaches on Saturday night has again sent a clear message that this minority is not welcome.”
FFA says it expects to make another announcement later today concerning actions against individuals who are identified as troublemakers.
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