DANDENONG Thunder Soccer Club’s second appeal against the banning of fans from its home games has been adjourned after the club requested more time to finalise its case.
The hearing with the sport’s national body Football Federation Australia — scheduled for last Wednesday — would have also decided whether the club’s $45,000 fine would be reduced. The club’s legal team asked for the appeal to be pushed back, stating more time was needed to assess extra information received from Football Federation Victoria.
“Basically, we were seeking time to get more information from the FFV and be able to assess that,” club spokesman Cezar Jakupi said.
The FFV had fined the club $40,000 and ordered a 10 home-game lockout after Thunder fans allegedly fired rocket flares — one injuring a 10-year-old girl — during last October’s Victorian Premier League grand final at AAMI Park.
After the club appealed in December, the FFV reduced the home game ban but increased the fine to $45,000.
Mr Jakupi said the penalties were still “manifestly excessive” and if upheld would devastate the club.
The rescheduled hearing date will be announced this week.—Jason Turner
