Update: Rockdale Ilinden FC v Sydney United 58 FC Incident
Football NSW would like to provide the following update in respect of the incidents which arose during and after the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s (NPLNSW) match between Rockdale Ilinden FC (RIFC) and Sydney United 58 FC (SUFC) at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on 25 April 2021.
After an extensive investigation into those incidents, Football NSW laid a number of charges against both clubs for alleged breaches of the Football NSW Grievance and Disciplinary Regulations (Regulations).
Those charges related to incidents which occurred during the game and inside the ground, as well as the post-match riot between spectators of both clubs.
Those 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.
By way of summary, both clubs were found guilty of a number of offences, including for conduct that brings the game into disrepute in relation to the involvement of their spectators in the post-match riot, and were issued with the following overall sanctions:
Rockdale Ilinden FC:
- $11,500 in fines payable immediately and the loss of 6 Premiership Points in the 2021 season; and
- $6,000 in fines and loss of 6 Premiership Points (both suspended, with the suspension triggered upon a finding of guilt for contravention of specified offences during the 2022 season).
Sydney United 58 FC:
- $11,000 in fines payable immediately and the loss of 6 Premiership Points in the 2021 season; and
- $9,000 in fines and loss of 6 Premiership Points (both suspended, with the suspension triggered upon a finding of guilt for contravention of specified offences during the 2022 season).
In addition to the above sanctions, for the duration of the 2021 season and for the entirety of the 2022 season, all NPL and any FA Cup matches between the two clubs must be played behind closed doors.
The difference in the amount of the fines payable by the clubs is due to the fact that not all of their charges in respect of incidents within the ground were identical. Both clubs received identical penalties in respect of the post-match riot.
Both clubs have seven days within which to appeal the GPT’s determination.
If neither club has lodged an appeal within that period, Football NSW will publish a copy of the GPT’s determination on its website.
Football NSW commends both clubs for the assistance they provided to NSW Police and to Football NSW during their respective investigations, for the way they conducted themselves during the GPT proceedings and for the pro-active steps taken since these incidents occurred.
We take this opportunity to remind all of our stakeholders that Football NSW has a zero tolerance policy towards violent behaviour.
The sanctions imposed are a reflection of how seriously Football NSW treats such incidents.
