THE North Sunshine Eagles have been expelled from all levels of Football Federation Victoria competition for the remainder of the year.
Eagles fans became entangled in a violent clash with Sporting Whittlesea members in their late June match at Larissa Reserve in St Albans – an incident which is still the subject of a police investigation.
On Friday the FFV released a statement that confirmed the Eagles, who were sitting mid-table in the men’s State League Three North-West division, would be stripped of all their points and effectively banished from competition until 31 December this year.
North Sunshine may re-enter as a “new club from the bottom of the leagues in 2014” and has been given until Wednesday to appeal the decision, according to the FFV release.
Part of the punishment handed down in an FFV independent tribunal hearing on Friday also included a $15,000 fine and an order for all club members to undertake a respect and responsibility course, should the club wish to re-apply next year.
“Football fans have a right to watch a game free of antagonistic and violent behaviour,” FFV CEO Mitchell Murphy said in the statement.
“Unfortunately, violence is still a society issue and football is not the only code having to deal with poor behaviour.
“Anyone found to be violent and putting the game in disrepute will face the consequences.
“If you choose to misbehave you will be investigated and face the judgement from the Independent Tribunal.”
North Sunshine was yet to indicate its response and could not be reached when contacted by Star within deadline.
Sporting Whittlesea was not penalised as a result of the incident, as its charges could not be proven.
Meanwhile, the weekend proved to be much brighter for Brimbank’s two Victorian Premier League clubs, with both scoring wins.
The Melbourne Knights have climbed to third on the table after dismantling the Port Melbourne Sharks 3-1 at Murphy Reserve on Friday night.
Andrew Barisic again found his way onto the scoresheet with two goals while Marijan Cvitkovic also goaled for the Knights.
On Saturday Green Gully then continued its impressive run of recent form, scoring a 1-0 win at home to Pascoe Vale.
The Cavaliers remain in the hunt for finals action, with the result lifting them sixth on the table on Saturday evening.
