Football Victoria makes first move after Preston-South incidents

Football Victoria has confirmed Preston Lions' next two NPL VIC’s home fixtures will be played behind closed doors following incidents involving a group of the club's supporters before and during last weekend's clash against rivals South Melbourne.

HIGHPRESS FEATURE: He made history. Then he walked away to start again

The governing body announced Preston's matches against Bentleigh Greens and Green Gully will be played without spectators while its investigation continues, with the matter also referred to the independent Football Victoria Tribunal for consideration of any further sanctions.

Football Victoria said additional penalties could still be imposed on individuals and/or the club, including financial sanctions, education and training, points deductions or further match restrictions. The governing body also confirmed any further enforcement of its Three Strike Policy remains under consideration.

AUSTRALIA CUP: No club had ever written an Australia Cup debut quite like this - and Preston weren’t the only Lions roaring

Football Victoria released the following statement in full:

“The scenes that played out on Saturday were utterly disgraceful. Victorian football belongs to everyone who supports our game. It should never be diminished by a small minority who use football as a platform for vilification and FV will act decisively to protect the wider community.

“FV would like to thank members of the football community who have assisted by providing information to support our investigation. The response from the community has been invaluable in helping to establish the facts surrounding the incidents.

“While the investigation process is underway, FV is uncertain a safe, respectful and welcoming environment can be accommodated at PLFC fixtures. As a result and in accordance with the Advanced Rules of Competition, FV can confirm the following initial sanction:

“Initial match restrictions will apply to PLFC fixtures for the next two rounds of the 2026 NPL Victoria Men's season:

“PLFC's NPL Men's home fixtures against Bentleigh Greens SC on July 24 and Green Gully SC on July 31 will be played behind closed doors, with no spectators permitted.

“As they precede the Senior Men's fixtures, PLFC's NPL Women's match against Keilor Park on July 24 and the U23 Men's match on July 31 will also be played as closed-door games.

“The matter has also been referred to the independent Football Victoria Tribunal, which will determine whether any additional sanctions should be imposed on individuals and/or the club, which may include financial penalties, education and training, points deductions or match restrictions.

“In addition, any further enforcement of FV's Three Strike Policy remains under consideration as the investigation continues.

“As a staple of the Victorian football calendar and a match that belongs to all in the football community, the Dockerty Cup Final on Saturday 8 August will proceed with spectators. However, enhanced event controls will be implemented, including a reduced venue capacity with pre-purchased (online) tickets only, with no tickets available at the gate.

“Additional security measures will also be implemented for the match to ensure the safety of all attendees, including an increased security presence, enhanced screening and significant surveillance measures.

“These are not measures FV wishes to impose. We recognise these restrictions will impact thousands of genuine football supporters who simply want to enjoy the games and support their clubs in a safe and enjoyable environment. Closing stadiums and limiting attendance is not how football should be experienced.

“The overwhelming majority of people involved in Victorian football are passionate, respectful and inclusive. They deserve to participate in an environment that reflects those values, not one overshadowed by the actions of a small minority.

“FV also recognises that these restrictions are not a sustainable future for Victorian football. The time has come for those who continue to bring division into our game, to take ownership of their actions. If individuals cannot uphold the standards expected of our football community, they should step away from it.”