GIPPSLAND Soccer League club Fortuna 60 has been suspended for the opening three rounds of all 2014 GSL central competitions, excluding small-sided juniors, and fined $2500 following an episode of parent violence at an under 14 fixture.
The incident, which occurred on 3 August, reportedly saw a Fortuna parent physically assault the club’s under 14 coach in full view of the junior team and club patrons following a regular season match.
The perpetrator received a five-year ‘life’ ban from both Fortuna and the GSL, and was issued a directive to complete an anger management course to avoid an extended ban of seven years by an independent tribunal last Tuesday, which also handed down the heavy punishment to the club.
The controversial decision means every team at the club, including its junior sides, will forfeit its opening three matches three-nil next season.
GSL chair David Wilson, who did not attend the tribunal, said he believed the legal panel took into account previous incidents of violence at Fortuna in handing down the sentence, leading to a club-wide penalty.
“They’ve come up with a significant penalty which is one of the largest I’ve ever seen,” Mr Wilson said.
“They’ve indicated there is a culture within the club that needs to be looked at within themselves.
“It sends a good message out to the rest of our league; this sort of thing is not going to be tolerated in our sport.”
Mr Wilson, who implemented the independent tribunal when he became chair three years ago, said the GSL had no involvement in the decision making process and would not intervene at any level.
“There’s nothing the GSL can or will do to interfere; this is an independent tribunal and there would be serious ramifications for the GSL to step in,” Mr Wilson said.
The tribunal typically consists of three members, including a senior Queen’s Counsel and disciplinary officer employed by the GSL, and adjudicates autonomously of the league.
Fortuna 60 now has the opportunity to take the matter before a separate appeals tribunal.
Fortuna president Dion Tanti said the club would take the matter further and would not comment at this stage.
“It’s in the hands of our solicitors,” Mr Tanti said.
However he indicated several past charges allegedly used against Fortuna in the ruling had been previously overturned.
At the time of going to print no police charges had been laid relating to the assault.
