South Melbourne fans are angry following a decision late last week by Football Federation Victoria (FFV) to forfeit their weekend match against Melbourne Knights.
One fan tells www.au.fourfourtwo.com.au there is a considerable amount of jealousy over South. “In Melbourne there is a general anti-South Melbourne feeling, a real hatred of us, even from other Greek clubs. I know for a fact that Heidelberg will be grinning from ear to ear after this decision by the FFV. There is a hatred of us bordering on the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.
“We don’t know what the real story is and we don’t understand the FFV. That’s how many of us are feeling. It compromises the game at grassroots level. On the one hand you have the A-League which is doing very well then at the second tier level, you have decisions like this. Australian football is only as strong as its weakest link and that right now is at state league level."
South Melbourne official Jim Marinis told www.au.fourfourtwo.com.au that he couldn’t comment on the decision made by FFV until Monday.
“In the past we’ve been always so far ahead of other clubs that it’s brought jealousy," added the South fan. "Other clubs like Preston, Knights and Heidelberg play in the suburbs and are considered old-fashioned clubs while we’ve got this nice stadium in the city. And our board members have been perceived as arrogant.
“How often does an FA or FIFA intervene like this? I wonder if we could appeal to FIFA?”
The three points and a 3-0 win were awarded to visitor Melbourne Knights due to the federation's concerns over "patron safety and wellbeing".
“South Melbourne’s refusal to agree and adhere to FFV’s reasonable directions and requirements formulated in cooperation with all stakeholders, has left FFV with no choice but to declare the game a forfeit in favor of the Melbourne Knights SC,” the FFV said in a press release late last week.
“FFV is very disappointed with this outcome,” says FFV Acting Chief Executive Officer, George Angelopoulos in the statement. “We have gone to great lengths and have engaged all the relevant parties to put in place a plan that will ensure the very best arrangements for a match between two of the biggest football clubs in Australia.
“Football Federation Victoria cannot allow any member club to dictate terms that are in contravention to its directions and requirements and in the best interests of the game. Regrettably, despite our best efforts, South Melbourne has, despite ample opportunity, refused to alter its position, which now places it in breach of FFV’s rules and regulations and subject to further sanctions.”
As a result of the forfeit and 3-0 loss, South have moved down to eighth on the ladder with eight points while the Knights have moved up into sixth with nine points.
Let us know what you think of this decision by the FFV.
“We don’t know what the real story is and we don’t understand the FFV. That’s how many of us are feeling. It compromises the game at grassroots level. On the one hand you have the A-League which is doing very well then at the second tier level, you have decisions like this. Australian football is only as strong as its weakest link and that right now is at state league level."
South Melbourne official Jim Marinis told www.au.fourfourtwo.com.au that he couldn’t comment on the decision made by FFV until Monday.
“In the past we’ve been always so far ahead of other clubs that it’s brought jealousy," added the South fan. "Other clubs like Preston, Knights and Heidelberg play in the suburbs and are considered old-fashioned clubs while we’ve got this nice stadium in the city. And our board members have been perceived as arrogant.
“How often does an FA or FIFA intervene like this? I wonder if we could appeal to FIFA?”
The three points and a 3-0 win were awarded to visitor Melbourne Knights due to the federation's concerns over "patron safety and wellbeing".
“South Melbourne’s refusal to agree and adhere to FFV’s reasonable directions and requirements formulated in cooperation with all stakeholders, has left FFV with no choice but to declare the game a forfeit in favor of the Melbourne Knights SC,” the FFV said in a press release late last week.
“FFV is very disappointed with this outcome,” says FFV Acting Chief Executive Officer, George Angelopoulos in the statement. “We have gone to great lengths and have engaged all the relevant parties to put in place a plan that will ensure the very best arrangements for a match between two of the biggest football clubs in Australia.
“Football Federation Victoria cannot allow any member club to dictate terms that are in contravention to its directions and requirements and in the best interests of the game. Regrettably, despite our best efforts, South Melbourne has, despite ample opportunity, refused to alter its position, which now places it in breach of FFV’s rules and regulations and subject to further sanctions.”
As a result of the forfeit and 3-0 loss, South have moved down to eighth on the ladder with eight points while the Knights have moved up into sixth with nine points.
Let us know what you think of this decision by the FFV.
Related Articles
