sport, local-sport,

FOOTBALL Federation Victoria is investigating the circumstances that saw the Ballarat Red Devils’ clash with Melbourne Victory interrupted by flares and the theft of a corner flag on Saturday afternoon. Victory supporters used the cover of flares to invade the pitch before eventually being evicted from Morshead Park by ground staff late in the National Premier Leagues Victoria One fixture. Head of NPL Liam Bentley told The Courier a referee’s report had been received and that both clubs involved would be asked for written feedback on the matter. FFV’s Grievance, Disciplinary and Tribunal (GDT) bylaw has clear penalties for the use of flares and club associates entering the field of play. The minimum mandatory penalty for a first offence of lighting, discharging or throwing a flare or flares, or other flammable objects, is 10 penalty units and/or the loss of three points and a four-match suspension for the relevant individuals. Bentley said the use of flares was a first in the NPL – which had its inaugural season last year – but that FFV had handed down sanctions for fan misbehaviour in the past. He said while there were penalties available through the GDT bylaw, the matter, if deemed severe enough, could be sent straight to tribunal. “It’s something we don’t want to see in the league. We will get all the relevant facts and information and proceed with the determination from there.” Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith said business manager Darrin Carroll was heading the club’s response to FFV. He said the club had photographs that clearly identified the individuals involved in the incident on Saturday and they would be passed over to Victory to help ban the offenders. tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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