The FFV tribunal has identified and banned 17 people from attending FFV sanctioned matches, after hearing charges earlier this week, arising from a melee amongst spectators at the South Melbourne FC and Melbourne Victory match at Lakeside Stadium on 24th April.

The bans range from three months to five years, with three of the spectators also receiving bans from playing football. All 17 listed in the Tribunal deliberations, are Melbourne Victory associates.

According to an FFV statement, of the 17 people identified and charged, 11 failed to appear before the tribunal hearing last Monday night. All those were found guilty and received five year bans from any involvement in football in Victoria. The tribunal granted these individuals 14 days leave to apply for a tribunal hearing.

For the six individuals who did appear before the tribunal, they each pleaded guilty to the misconduct charges laid against them and received bans ranging from 18 months to three years, with one individual receiving just a three month ban.

Under the charges of misconduct, the FFV included the following offences: “Instigating and/or participating in a violent melee” and “entering the field of play when not permitted and engaging in misconduct”.

The statement also said that the Melbourne Victory FC club will be charged shortly and have to face the tribunal in relation to the actions of club associates (spectators) at Lakeside on the 24th April.

The statement says that the FFV is continuing its investigation into the behaviour of spectators from both clubs, and if any further individuals are identified, they will be charged and referred to the Tribunal.