By JASON TURNER
DANDENONG Thunder Soccer Club will front a Football Federation Australia hearing next week in a bid to get a home-game lockout ban and fine reduced further.
The club was initially fined $40,000 and hit with a 10 home-game lockout after Thunder fans allegedly fired rocket flares — one hitting a 10-year-old girl — during the club’s appearance in last October’s Victorian Premier League grand final.
At an appeal last month, Football Federation Victoria reduced the number of games that the club would have to play behind closed doors to seven, but increased the fine to $45,000.
Club spokesman Cezar Jakupi said the penalties were still “manifestly excessive”. “We’re hoping for a substantial reduction.”
Jakupi said the club would be devastated financially if the fan lockout and unprecedented fine were upheld.
“The FFV have taken a sledgehammer approach. They’re punishing the club financially. We’re expecting the FFA can give a fair and objective hearing.”
He did not rule out Supreme Court action if the penalties were not significantly reduced, despite the possible costs for the club.
Police are still investigating the flare incident. The FFA hearing will take place in Sydney on January 30.
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