DESPITE pleading guilty to three charges following an ugly melee last month, North Sunshine Eagles soccer club will be free to play this week after successfully appealing against a decision to expel it from the league.
Football Federation Victoria’s independent tribunal had originally suspended the club on a charge of misconduct on July 26 following a “violent incident” against Sporting Whittlesea on June 29, had all its premiership points taken away and was hit with a $15,000 fine.
However the Appeals Board granted a stay on the execution of the penalty until the appeal hearing on August 14.
SOCCER BRAWL: ‘We condemn this type of behaviour’
“The next two weekend’s fixtures involving North Sunshine Eagles SC will be scheduled as per the original fixtures for the relevant leagues,” a spokesperson said.
“Charges against Sporting Whittlesea were a melee, failure to control club associates and bringing the game into disrepute. Based on the evidence before the tribunal the panel held the view that it was not strong enough to sustain any of the charges.
“Many reports were provided to FFV. North Sunshine plead guilty to three of the four charges.”
If North Sunshine’s appeal fails it would have to reapply as a new club and start in the bottom grade of the Men’s State League North-West next year, or an equivalent entry level in another league.
FFV chief executive officer Mitchell Murphy said he hoped the initial decision would send a message to all clubs that thuggery was not welcome in the league.
“Football fans have a right to watch a game free of antagonistic and violent behaviour,” he said.
The Weekly understands no video evidence was provided to the VVF.
Victoria Police is still investigating the incident
