By Takis Triadafillou.
Following an extensive investigation into incidents which arose during and after the NPL match between Rockdale Ilinden FC (RIFC) and Sydney United 58 FC (SUFC) at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on 25 April 2021, Football NSW has laid a number of charges against both clubs for alleged breaches of the Football NSW Grievance and Disciplinary Regulations (Regulations).
These charges were heard before the Football NSW General Purposes Tribunal (GPT) on 19 July 2021 and the GPT released its determination on 10 August 2021.
In summary, both clubs were found guilty of a number of offenses, including defamatory conduct in relation to their spectators’ involvement in the post-match uprising, and were given the following total penalties:
1. Penalties in the form of fines for both clubs.
2. Subtraction of 6 points from the current championship.
With this decision, Sydney Olympic FC rises to third place in the league standings.
This news comes just hours before Football NSW announced the cancellation of the NPL season, citing the current COVID-19 lockdown in the state.
On this occasion, we remind all clubs of the importance of providing a safe environment for spectators, players and managers and that NSW Football has a policy of zero tolerance for violent behavior. The sanctions imposed reflect how seriously NSW Football treats such incidents.
