Football Federation Sunraysia has drawn a firm line in the sand, issuing an official and final warning to all clubs following a recent violent fracas that occurred just as the 90th minute whistle was blown in Mildura City’s 3-0 win against Mildura United.
The intense senior men’s fixture was concluded with a post-match melee involving players from both teams as well as spectators who entered the field of play in heated and physical exchanges resulting in numerous red cards being brandished.
In a strongly stated notice distributed to all participating teams in the competition, FFS general manger Susan Watts has reminded clubs that any unauthorised entry onto the playing pitch and subsequent misconduct will trigger stern penalties for those deemed involved.
“Following the recent melee incident during the Mildura City vs Mildura United Senior Men’s match, the board of FFS is issuing an official and final warning to all clubs, that from this date, any unauthorised act of “Entering the Field of Play” and any resultant form of misconduct that might then occur, will result in serious consequence to those involved,” Ms Watts’s statement read.
It is believed that a football and punch were thrown amid the chaos of supporters’ insurgency surrounding players as they were leaving the field at the conclusion of the match which also involved substitutes re-entering the pitch.
The Federation has outlined a sensible set of penalties designed to deter future breaches and situations of a similar manner from occurring in the future.
“Any individual, from any club, who enters the field of play without permission from the referees, and then engages in misconduct will face severe disciplinary action, as such behaviour is entirely unacceptable,” Ms Watts’s statement continued.
“Penalties can include fines of up to $600, suspensions up to nine weeks, or loss of premiership points.
“These penalties will apply to all club associates including spectators and if individual people cannot be identified, then the penalty will apply to the club they are associated with, or support.
“This notice serves to reinforce that we have zero tolerance for this behaviour, into the future, and any breaches will be treated as serious offences.”
The caution arrives at a vital time in the year where emotions will be running high with finals around the corner and just two games left of regular season action to play.
Mildura City will be looking to preserve their undefeated record this year at the top of table without further controversies while Mildura United are positioned fourth in the tail end of the season.
The Federation’s final warning also signals an increased crackdown aimed at protecting the integrity of the competition while ensuring a safe environment for all involved in Sunraysia football.
