The Corner Flag understands that South Melbourne have been docked three points for an incident coming from their 3-1 defeat to Bentleigh Greens in Round 20 of the NPL Victoria season.
Early reports from tonight’s tribunal hearing indicate that the club have been docked the points along with a $500 fine, stemming from fan behaviour in the match in question.
The incident reportedly took place in the first half following the sending off of South Melbourne defender Luke Adams for a last man tackle on Chris Lucas, where the supporter in question verbally abused the assistant referee.
It is understood that the individual has received a six-month ban from FFV sanctioned matches.
This will make South the third club in the NPL Victoria top flight to have been handed down a points penalty, following Heidelberg United’s three point deduction and Melbourne Victory’s six point deduction.
The penalty has huge ramifications on the title-race, as the Bentleigh Greens go an unreachable six points clear heading into the final weekend, while it would also see Heidelberg jump into second and host a home final first week.
South Melbourne has been contacted for comment but have respectfully declined to make comment.