By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
DANDENONG Thunder’s appeal against a $40,000 and 10-home-game lockout penalty handed down by a Football Federation Victoria tribunal has been postponed by a week.
The appeal, which had been set for next Wednesday, has been moved to December 5.
The club had requested the postponement because of a clash with a ‘100 Years of Albanian independence’ celebration at Federation Square.
Thunder spokesman Ronnie Mustafai said club officials had committed to attending the event, which had taken nine months of organisation.
‘‘It’s a big function happening in the Victorian Albanian community. With the fines that have hit our club, its going to be a bit of a fund-raiser for the club.’’
The club’s penalty was for five flares — including three rocket flares — launched by Thunder supporters at the Victorian Premier League grand final at AAMI Park last month.
One of the rocket flares injured two girl spectators, striking one on the shoulder and burning the other’s face.
Mr Mustafai said the club would appeal for a reduction in the 10 lockouts — which would ban spectators from most of its home games next season.
He said the ban would significantly financially deprive the club of takings, and food and beverage sales of up to $100,000.
