Dandenong Thunder’s impressive start to the Victorian Premier League has been over shadowed following the decision of the Football Federation Victoria disciplinary tribunal last night. The Thunder were not only fined a total of $8,000 but also deducted six championship points and forced to play their next four home games behind closed-doors.
The news will come as a disappointment to those involved with the club as they have been playing great football this season and were sitting comfortably atop the Victorian Premier League with 23 points from the opening ten rounds.
The incident that sparked these penalties occurred during the Thunder’s round nine home fixture against Bentleigh Greens on the 16th of April, where two Dandenong Club Associates were charged with abuse of a match official (Misconduct/MP6).
Although the specifics of the incident which involved the two club associates are still publicly unknown, the club was found guilty for directing abusive and insulting language towards match officials. The first club associate was charged with misconduct as a result of allegedly making inappropriate contact with the match official while also questioning the decision’s which were made throughout the match.
The second club associate was also charged with misconduct as a result of allegedly directing foul, abusive and insulting language towards the match official in the game which saw both sides share the points following the 1-1 result. The club was fined $2000 for each individual’s indiscretion.
Adding to the pain of the disciplinary action Dandenong will have to play their next four home games without spectators, limited to having 20 club associates on match day.
Dandenong Thunder have until 5pm on Tuesday 3rd of May to appeal the penalties and were approached by The Football Sack this afternoon. They refused to comment.
With the punishment that has been handed to Dandenong the Football Federation Victoria has sent a clear message to all clubs in the Premier League and Victoria that they will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour towards match officials or anyone else that is involved in football.
The result of the punishment will come as a huge blow to the Thunder, but also will serve as motivation as they look to get themselves back on track following this latest setback.
They are currently preparing to face South Melbourne this Sunday at John Cain Memorial Park in what should be a interesting encounter between two sides who are both aiming to be crowned champions come Finals time.
Dandenong have now dropped to fourth position on the VPL standings, Oakleigh leading the pack on 22 points with South Melbourne and Hume City sitting second and third respectively.
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