Monday, 16 September 2002 12:00 AM
South Melbourne Soccer Club joins the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation in condemning the actions of Preston Soccer Club and its supporters at yesterday’s final of the Tynan-Eyre Cup.
South Melbourne had requested additional security and police presence for the match at Bob Jane Stadium after crowd trouble involving Preston fans at the recent Victorian Soccer Federation Grand Final, also held at Bob Jane Stadium.
South Melbourne urges the Victoria Police and Victorian Soccer Federation to take the appropriate action against Preston and its supporters. Whilst remaining committed to the Tynan-Eyre Cup – a charitable Victoria Police fund-raising tournament played in memory of murdered policemen Stephen Tynan and Damien Eyre – South Melbourne will not allow any fixture involving the Preston Soccer Club to be held at Bob Jane Stadium and nor will it play further matches against Preston.
In calling for strong measures against Preston and its supporters, South Melbourne believes the game of soccer can not allow the actions of a small minority to undermine the collective efforts to provide a welcoming environment and entertaining product for all Australians.