Melbourne City has imposed its own ban on its active supporters following the derby pitch invasion a fortnight ago.
Football Australia handed down its initial ban to Melbourne Victory supporters last Friday, preventing the club from selling tickets to home games until January 15, 2023.
Victory fans were also barred from attending away games, both in Victoria and interstate. FA also imposed a minor ban on City when cordoning off active bays at the club’s games.
While Victory fans were behind the pitch invasion at the now infamous abandoned derby, City supporters also threw numerous flares onto the ground.
In response to Football Australia’s initial findings regarding the most recent Melbourne Derby and in consultation with Melbourne & Olympic Parks and Victoria Police, we can issue the following update regarding Active Support for our next two home A-Leagues matchdays.
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) December 26, 2022
But City has elected to go further, stating “we have no other choice than to impose these restrictions on active support”.
Active members are unable to attend the new two City home games on December 27 and January 7. The ‘City Terrace’ at AAMI Park will be closed to fans, with existing tickets to be refunded and ongoing ticket sales to be suspended for that area.
In a statement, City declared the action was on the back of the use of flares.
“Melbourne City active members will be unable to attend the next two Melbourne City home A-Leagues matchdays,” the statement began.
“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.”