By Roy Ward
Football Australia has announced multi-year bans for eight more people involved in the pitch invasion at the Melbourne derby last Saturday night, and expects to provide an update on Melbourne Victory on Friday.
Soccer’s governing body said in a statement on Thursday that it would be banning eight supporters from all forms of the game for between five and 20 years following charges laid by Victoria Police this week. It brings the number of bans handed out by Football Australia to 10, after two people were banned for life earlier this week.
Fans storm the field on Saturday night at AAMI Park.Credit:Getty Images
Police have identified 36 people involved in the pitch invasion and other offences, while 13 people have been charged. More charges are expected as police identify and speak with the people involved.
Football Australia said four people who were on banned lists, from either it or the Australian Professional Leagues, were denied entry to AAMI Park for the Victory v Melbourne City game.
Football Australia also said it expected to be in a position on Friday to give an update on the proceedings against Victory, who responded to a show cause notice on Wednesday and are now awaiting their fate.
“As promised to the Australian football community of over two million participants and the wider public, Football Australia has taken swift and decisive action against those who have brought our game into disrepute by their conduct during the Melbourne derby, and we will continue to do so as part of our ongoing investigation,” chief executive James Johnson said in a statement.
“Football is the beautiful game, it brings together people like no other sport can, and we will not let the actions of these non-football fans cast a dark cloud over the game we love.
“Football Australia will continue to work with Victoria Police and the venue to identify other guilty parties and rid our game of such people. We ask our community to make any reports to Crime Stoppers.”
Football Australia matched bans to charges from Victoria Police.
An 18-year-old Alphington man who was charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour was given a 20-year ban by Football Australia.
A 21-year-old Northcote man who was charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, riotous behaviour and discharging a flare also received a 20-year ban from Football Australia.
A 23-year-old Wollert man who was charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, entry to sporting competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour was banned for 15 years.
A 28-year-old Albion woman, a 26-year-old St Albans man, an 18-year-old Diggers Rest man, a 26-year-old Ringwood East man and a 27-year-old Cairnlea man, who were all charged with entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour, were banned for five years.
