Wanderers and Victory will not contest sanctions

Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory have today agreed with Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the clubs will not contest the sanctions announced after the incidents of serious misconduct in Melbourne on 28 December 2013.

Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory have today agreed with Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the clubs will not contest the sanctions announced after the incidents of serious misconduct in Melbourne on 28 December 2013.

FFA confirms that the sanction is the deduction of three (3) competition points if incidents of a significant magnitude were to occur. The sanction is applicable until the conclusion of the 2013/14 season.

Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers, in collaboration with FFA, Police, venue managers and all relevant stakeholders, will redouble efforts to ensure anti-social behaviour does not impact on football-s passionate fan base and growth in popularity.

FFA CEO David Gallop said: “We respect both clubs for their stance on the difficult issue of identifying the small number of troublemakers who tarnish the overwhelming majority of true football fans.

“FFA and the clubs- response is designed to galvanise the football community against the scourge of anti-social behaviour.

“The great majority of fans who create such a wonderful atmosphere at the Hyundai A-League should get to the matches and enjoy themselves this weekend. Those who cause trouble are on notice that enough is enough.”

Western Sydney Wanderers Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman said: “As a club we have always maintained a policy of zero tolerance in relation to anti-social behaviour.

“Agreeing not to contest the sanction demonstrates the Club-s commitment to a unified and whole of game approach to ensure a safe environment at all times for our members and all genuine supporters of our club and the game.”

Melbourne Victory CEO Ian Robson said: “We have opted not to contest the sanction on the basis that we are fully supportive of FFA-s stance to adopt a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.

“Further to this, the FFA has proposed new measures, in conjunction with other stakeholders, to ensure we deliver a safe and enjoyable environment for our members and fans, which will be continually monitored for the remainder of the season.

“The FFA has also demonstrated their ongoing commitment to working with all A-League clubs and relevant stakeholders, to ensure these standards are reviewed and enhanced to deliver consistency across the league for subsequent seasons; therefore fostering the continued growth in the popularity of our sport.”

FFA confirms that it has finalised a review of security and ticketing arrangements, in conjunction with the two competing clubs, venue management and Police, for next Tuesday-s rescheduled Round 19 fixture between Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park (kick off 7.30pm).

FFA confirms that it will continue to review security measures with all Hyundai A-League clubs to enhance and protect the safe and enjoyable environment at matches.