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The football took a back seat as NPL VIC's fiercest rivalry erupted again
By HIGHPRESS20 July 2026
South Melbourne and Preston Lions' fierce rivalry was once again thrust into the spotlight on Saturday, but for all the wrong reasons.
The blockbuster NPL VIC clash at Lakeside Stadium finished in a tense 0-0 draw, with Football Victoria condemning the conduct of a section of Preston supporters after offensive banners were displayed during the match.
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The stalemate ultimately did little to help either side's Premiership ambitions, while the fallout off the pitch quickly became the biggest talking point of Round 21.
“Yet again, one of NPL Victoria's showcase fixtures has been overshadowed by the abhorrent actions of a small group of individuals whose behaviour has disgraced our game,” Football Victoria said in a statement.
“The scenes that unfolded surrounding the NPL Victoria match between South Melbourne FC (SMFC) and Preston Lions FC (PLFC) on Saturday, in the PLFC supporter stand and on the march to the venue by a group of PLFC supporters, were deliberately intended to provoke, divide and inflame. These acts were disgraceful and the people who committed them deserve no place in our sporting community.
“These people are not football supporters. Football is not a platform for hatred, intimidation or vilification. Anyone who chooses to weaponise our game in that way is attacking everything that football stands for.”
“Football Victoria (FV) will work with the relevant club stakeholders, Victoria Police and venue operators to identify those responsible and pursue every available sanction. We have also commenced a full investigation into all incidents arising from Saturday’s match in accordance with our competition regulations. That process will include consideration of any existing disciplinary sanctions that may be applicable.
“Our players, officials, clubs and their genuine supporters deserve better than what they witnessed on Saturday. If you come to football to spread hatred, incite division, intimidate others or undermine the safety and reputation of our game, you are not part of football. We will use every avenue available to identify you, hold you accountable and do everything within our power to ensure you are not welcome back.”
Preston Lions added: “Preston Lions FC condemns the display of inappropriate banners at yesterday’s match.
“These actions do not reflect our club or the vast majority of our supporters. Security measures were in place, and the banners were removed immediately by Ground Marshals and security.”
“We remain committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone. We will be working with the relevant authorities to identify the individual(s) responsible.
”We ask the supporters involved to come forward to the club and take responsibility. The club will not tolerate this behaviour.”
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In their own statement, South Melbourne said: “South Melbourne FC would like to thank our members and supporters for the disciplined and respectful way they conducted themselves throughout Saturday's match.
“Your passion for the club was on display, while demonstrating the standard we expect from our supporters.”
“Football should always be played and enjoyed in a safe, welcoming and family-friendly environment for everyone, and we thank our supporters for continuing to uphold those values.”
Cannons tighten grip on Premiership
Oakleigh Cannons were the biggest winners over the weekend.
Joe Guest's penalty proved enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over second-placed Hume City, extending the league leaders' advantage to seven points with five rounds remaining.
It was another significant step towards a second consecutive Premiership for Chris Taylor's side.
Elsewhere, Bruno Fornaroli moved further clear in the Golden Boot race after scoring his 18th league goal of the campaign, although Avondale FC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against St Albans Dinamo.
Reigning champions Heidelberg United and Altona Magic couldn't be separated in a scoreless draw, leaving the Bergers with work to do in the race for the finals.
At the other end of the table, Green Gully boosted their survival hopes with an important 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Dandenong Thunder, courtesy of goals from Bilal Habib, Joshua Hope and Yusuf Ahmed.
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Bentleigh Greens also claimed a crucial three points, stunning Dandenong City 2-1 thanks to a match-winning brace from Yerasimakis Petratos.
Rounding out the weekend, new signing Jack Pope continued his bright start at Caroline Springs George Cross, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Melbourne City to keep his new club's finals push alive.
