Supporters will be barred from attending one of the most anticipated fixtures of the NPL Victoria season this Friday, as Oakleigh Cannons host Preston Lions at Jack Edwards Reserve.
Football Victoria (FV) confirmed on Wednesday that the match will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing safety concerns at the venue, citing difficulties in segregating fans because of major construction works.
“Following consultation with both clubs, Football Victoria has determined that the NPL Victoria fixture between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Preston Lions FC on Friday, June 27 will be played behind closed doors, with no fans permitted on site,” FV said in a statement.
“This decision considered the following factors; primarily the inability to effectively segregate fans, as a result of significant ongoing construction at the venue.
“These circumstances, along with recent events, have raised safety concerns in accordance with Football Victoria’s Match Day Risk Policy… the decision to close the venue mitigates potential risks that have arisen.”
The match will be livestreamed on the NPL Victoria YouTube channel.
Both clubs are among the league’s largest crowd-pullers, frequently drawing thousands of spectators. However, tensions surrounding fan behaviour have previously marred high-profile games.
Just this month, FV opened an investigation into alleged racist chanting by Preston supporters during a match against Heidelberg United.
Last season, Oakleigh supporters were involved in a pitch-side brawl with Dandenong Thunder fans, prompting a behind-closed-doors rematch. Similarly, Preston’s clash with Brunswick was also played without spectators following a separate investigation.
Despite the circumstances, FV thanked both clubs for their co-operation and “constructive approach” in reaching the decision.
Source: Football Victoria
