– Thunder members must undergo FFV course
– Fine and points reduction to stay
– ‘No supporters’ home game penalty reduced to five matches
FOOTBALL Federation Australia’s appeals committee has rejected Dandenong Thunder’s appeal against charges of crowd misconduct during the Victorian Premier League grand final last year.
The Thunder had originally been forced to play its first 10 home games with no spectators, were fined $40,000 and docked three championship points for the 2013 season but appealed the penalties to Football Federation Victoria’s appeals board, then appealed again to the FFA.
The FFA appeals board has changed the penalty to five matches and kept the fine and points reduction.
All Thunder members will also have to undertake and complete an FFV respect and responsibility course before being allowed entry to any VPL matches.
Supporters have been ordered to complete the course before June 30.
SEE: Dandenong Thunder faces tribunal over flares
SEE: VPL grand final picture gallery
The FFA appeals committee’s findings said the VPL grand final was a ‘‘significant day for the VPL and football in Victoria’’.
“This was, after all, the showcase of the game in Victoria and the behaviour of the club’s supporters was all the more appalling in that context,’’ it said.
‘‘Further, and arguably more importantly, spectators, including many children, were put at risk of substantial personal injury by the discharging of flares, particularly rocket flares.”
FFV chief executive Peter Gome said the decision reinforce’s FFV’s commitment to a zero tolerance policy when dealing with anti-social behaviour.
“FFV is committed to ensuring that community football matches uphold community standards and provide a safe and family-friendly environment which allows players, officials and spectators to enjoy the game.
“FFV’s zero tolerance policy has seen a drastic reduction in overall misconduct since its implementation in 2008 and 2012 saw this trend continue.
“Only 102 matters were brought before the FFV independent tribunal in 2012 compared with 155 in 2011.”
