Dandenong Thunder have been deducted three competition points after being found guilty by the Football Federation Victoria tribunal of fielding an ineligible player during the 2016 NPL Victoria season.
It was alleged that in-form striker Amir Osmancevic should have missed Thunder’s opening round 4-0 victory over Nunawading City after picking up his fifth yellow card in the last round of 2015 while playing for the Peninsula Strikers in State League 2.
The 20-year-old striker collected his fifth booking of the season in the Strikers’ final league game of the season against Old Melburnians, ruling him out of the following competitive fixture, which happened to be the Thunder’s 4-0 triumph over Nunawading in the 2016 NPL season.
There was deliberation over whether Osmancevic’s suspension should have carried over to the NPL season. However, the tribunal decided:
“Dandenong Thunder SC is charged with Misconduct / MP10 (First Offence) as a result of violating clause 9 of the GDT By-Law as a result of Fielding an Ineligible Player, Mr Amir Osmancevic (FFA ID: 56251465), in the above-mentioned fixtures.”
The finding is a massive blow for Thunder, who lose ground to Kingston City in the early title race in NPL2 East.
After accumulating 21 points from seven consecutive wins, they will now drop to 18, one behind Kingston City, who have 19 points after six wins and a draw.
While Thunder lose three points, the result still against Nunawading stands – including Osmancevic’s two goals scored that contest, which does not affect the current Golden Boot race.
Likewise, the points are not transferred to Nunawading, meaning the club remains on no points so far this season.
Thunder have indicated they will not comment on the matter while considering an appeal – which could risk further points being deducted.
Image: Graeme Furlong