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Preston Lions condemn 'abhorrent' behaviour as NPL giants respond to Football Victoria sanctions
By Sacha Pisani24 July 2026
Preston Lions publicly apologised following the incidents that marred last weekend's NPL VIC clash against rivals South Melbourne, acknowledging the behaviour was "abhorrent".
The statement comes after Football Victoria handed down a series of sanctions, including ordering Preston's next two senior men's home matches to be played behind closed doors - including Friday night’s 1-0 win overly lowly Bentleigh Greens - and imposing financial penalties following the display of offensive banners and discriminatory behaviour.
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While expressing disappointment with the impact the sanctions will have on players, members and volunteers, Preston accepted responsibility for the events and said the individuals involved "will not have a place in our game".
The club also confirmed they are continuing to identify those responsible and have provided their details to Football Victoria to assist the disciplinary process.
“The club would like to address the events of the last week. The executive has been working tirelessly on the matter and is also seeking guidance from Football Victoria to put the necessary frameworks in place to eradicate this behaviour in our game,” the statement read in full.
“The behaviours and banners displayed at South Melbourne last Saturday were abhorrent. They were completely unacceptable, and Preston Lions FC unequivocally condemns any behaviour that seeks to divide communities, and our club.”
“We sincerely apologise to everyone who was offended, hurt or distressed by the content of the banners and behaviour of this small group of individuals. They do not reflect the values of Preston Lions FC, nor the overwhelming majority of our members, supporters and volunteers.
“The individuals are continuing to be identified by the club and will be issued with club bans, and their details have been provided to Football Victoria to assist its disciplinary process and issued further sanctions.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with Football Victoria and will take any further action necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of our club. To be clear, these individuals and associated group, will not have a place in our game.
“The decision to play our next two Men's matches behind closed doors by the FV is deeply disappointing, particularly given Preston Lions had only days earlier successfully hosted Newcastle Jets on the national stage without incident with 5000 people in attendance. While we are disappointed by the impact this has on our players, members, volunteers and families, we respect the need to restore confidence in our game.
“We need to take responsibility. Whatever your views on Football Victoria's decision, we cannot allow this situation to create further division or provide another platform for unacceptable behaviour. As a club we have continued to be proactive in our security planning and risk mitigation.”
“Football is bigger than any one club, supporter group or individual. Every person involved in our game has a responsibility to reject discrimination, condemn behaviour that divides our community, and ensure football remains a place where everyone feels welcome, safe and respected.
“Preston Lions FC is committed to learning from this incident, taking responsibility for our actions, and working to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“We ask everyone to stand with us in that commitment.”
