Melbourne City’s active supporters will be unable to attend games for the next A-Leagues matchdays at AAMI Park, the club announced.
City have introduced the measures in response to Football Australia’s initial findings regarding the December 17 Melbourne Derby, which was abandoned after Melbourne Victory supporters stormed the AAMI Park pitch.
The Round 8 clash saw City goalkeeper Tom Glover struck by a supporter, while referee Alex King found himself engulfed by fans. Life-time bans and various suspensions have been issued to supporters, while criminal charges have been laid against some.
READ MORE: FA IMPOSES VICTORY SANCTIONS AS DERBY PROBE CONTINUES
After Victory were issued with a “show cause” notice, and as FA’s investigation continues, no tickets will be sold for Victory home games, effective immediately and until January 15, 2023 – only valid club members can attend the home fixtures during the period before the show cause is determined.
Now, City have closed off the City Terrace active supporter area for Tuesday’s A-Leagues doubleheader featuring Central Coast Mariners in the Isuzu UTE A-League and Perth Glory in the Liberty A-League.
The January 7 Isuzu UTE A-League showdown between City and reigning champions Western United will also adopt the same measures, which include:
- The City Terrace active supporter area to be closed to all fans
- All existing casual tickets into the City Terrace to be refunded
- All casual ticket sales into the City Terrace to be suspended
- All General Admission members required to redeem complimentary reserved seat
- First three rows behind goals to be closed
“Melbourne City active members will be unable to attend the next two Melbourne City home A-Leagues matchday,” the club said in a statement.
“Whilst only committed by a small minority within our active supporter group, the use of flares poses a significant risk to the safety of our players, staff, and to the general public.
“Authorities have successfully identified and banned one Melbourne City active member responsible for the use of flares, however as authorities are in the process of identifying the remaining culprits, we have no other choice than to impose these restrictions on active support.
“Melbourne City is a family club, and we pride ourselves on creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
“We take a zero-tolerance approach to the use of flares at our matches which is why we have decided to take this action.”
