Last month, we wrote to you regarding the incident that took place at our NPL fixture in Shepparton, and informed you that Melbourne Victory was subject to ongoing investigations by both Football Australia and Football Victoria regarding certain conduct that occurred at the game.
We also committed to keeping our members informed once the outcome of those investigations, as they relate to the Club, were known. That outcome was confirmed late yesterday, resulting in Football Victoria issuing financial penalties against the Club in respect of:
- engaging in misconduct
- use of language, gestures and/or behaviours that are discriminatory in nature
- bringing the game into disrepute
It is important to understand that, in accordance with FV’s Disciplinary Regulations and FA’s Code of Conduct, the Club is deemed liable for the behaviour of spectators at a match who, in the absence of being able to show they are affiliated with the opposition, are deemed to be affiliated with the home club (which in this case, was Melbourne Victory).
Since the beginning of these investigations, our approach has been centred around trying to provide as much transparency as we can while upholding not only the values of the Club but also the values of the broader member and fanbase, who have helped shape Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory has always placed a strong emphasis on the voice of our members, evidenced by the standing up of our Member Working Group (MWG) in 2022 – made up of representatives from across a broad cross-section of our supporter base. The MWG allows us to continue to listen, reflect and adapt based on what matters to our people. That dialogue is essential and valued, and will lead us to announcing a formal and consultative fan engagement strategy heading into next season.
Our active support is another defining part of our Club. The noise and passion that our members and fans bring to every match is unrivalled in Australian sport, and the North Terrace in particular continues to contribute something uniquely powerful to the game day experience. It’s something we have always supported and advocated for and will continue to do so.
However, the events at our Round 8 NPL match were serious. After reviewing the evidence presented through independent investigations, it is clear that a group at the match engaged in homophobic chants and slurs, eight of whom have been banned, while others remain under continued investigation.
We have been advised, that the seriousness with which this has been actioned by Football Australia is as a result of the discriminatory behaviour that occurred at the match. While other matters may have been raised, such as the use of flares, the focus of the investigations has been on the use of homophobic language, which is a breach of the FA Code of Conduct and constitutes actions that bring the game into disrepute under that Code. We do not condone, nor can we accept, that behaviour in any form.
This behaviour is not reflective of our Club or our values, and based on the feedback we’ve received from our wider supporter base, it is not representative of the broader Melbourne Victory community, or what you want our Club to represent either.
It is also important to clarify that the Terrace itself has not been banned collectively. Over the past few seasons we have worked hard with all football and match day stakeholders to produce the best outcome for our fans. This means striving wherever possible to ensure that where inappropriate behaviour has occurred, any ensuing sanctions are restricted to those who engaged in the relevant behaviour.
We understand that while limited in number, those impacted by the bans will leave a hole in the coordination of the Terrace, and that impacts on our match days and the environment for each of you, and importantly, the noise that supports our team week in and week out. That said, we remain committed to the principles of safe, inclusive, and respectful environments, not only because they’re expected, but because they reflect who we are and who we strive to be.
We were disappointed by what occurred, but our direction must be to look forward.
A full Terrace, full stands, and a stronger, united Melbourne Victory is our focus. We want to work with each and every one of you to fill the stands and bring the noise as we embark on our impending finals campaigns for both our men and women in blue.
Thank you for your continued support
Warm regards,
Caroline Carnegie
Managing Director
