Football Victoria forces Preston Lions to play behind closed doors over fan conduct
Football Victoria has sanctioned the Preston Lions football club, forcing them to play two home games behind closed doors. The penalty follows the display of sexist and offensive banners targeting Greek Australians by the club's supporters during a recent match.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing challenges regarding fan conduct and ethnic tensions in community sports, prompting governing bodies to take stricter disciplinary actions.
Controversy surrounds the Preston Lions, even as the club enjoys success on the pitch. ( Supplied: Preston Lions )
A Melbourne football club will be forced to play without spectators after some of its fans displayed offensive banners at a game last weekend.
The decision comes as the Preston Lions defeated A-League side Newcastle Jets in an Australia Cup match this week.
Football Victoria says further sanctions on Preston Lions and the individuals involved could be imposed.
Link copied Share Share article A football club in Melbourne's northern suburbs will have to play its next two home games without fans in attendance, after hardline supporters brought sexist and offensive banners to a game last weekend.
Football Victoria announced late yesterday that after "utterly disgraceful" scenes, the next two Preston Lions state league matches would be played "behind closed doors, with no spectators permitted".
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