A-LEAGUE chiefs will introduce a new raft of security measures when Western Sydney meet Melbourne Victory next Tuesday, after both clubs yesterday agreed not to contest the suspended three-point sanctions imposed for their fans' behaviour last month.

Following further negotiations on Wednesday, a joint statement was issued on behalf of Football Federation Australia and the two clubs in which they accepted the penalty for violent incidents before and after their game on December 28 at AAMI Park.

With the clubs and governing body closing ranks after a weekend of damaging headlines, the three points will be deducted if what FFA termed "incidents of a significant magnitude" happen before the end of the season.

Though officials declined to spell out what that definition was, in light of security concerns, it's understood that isolated incidents involving individual fans won't be classified as such.

Police intelligence is also likely to play a part, in light of concerns that rogue supporters could don the kit of other clubs in order to cause trouble in their name.

News_Rich_Media: Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic has distanced his club from the fans that were involved in a brawl in December at AAMI Park against Melbourne Victory.

But the game on Tuesday night - brought forward from round 19 because of the Asian Champions League - will be strongly in the spotlight, with FFA confirming new security arrangements will be in place.

Western Sydney do not expect large numbers to travel to a midweek fixture, far less than the 1500 who travelled to see the two sides draw 1-1 nearly two weeks ago.

It's understood that since the charge of misconduct was brought against the clubs last week by FFA, both have had detailed briefings into the events of the day and their seriousness from Victorian Police.

The clubs had also sought details from FFA of what level of misbehaviour would trigger the suspended penalty, as the proposed sanction was a first for the league.

"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," said FFA CEO David Gallop.

"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 A-League should get to the matches and enjoy themselves this weekend. Those who cause trouble are on notice that enough is enough."

The trouble was sparked initially at a Melbourne pub, where Western Sydney fans were attacked by a group of Victory followers, but was followed by the lighting of firecrackers and flares at AAMI Park, plus damage to the stadium.

"As a club we have always maintained a policy of zero tolerance in relation to anti-social behaviour," said Wanderers chairman Lyall Gorman in the statement.

"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 his club had "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."