Football Queensland has conducted an investigation into several incidents involving the ignition of flares on multiple occasions during the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Grand Final between Gold Coast Knights and Olympic FC at Perry Park on Saturday, 10 September 2022.
The outcome of this investigation is that numerous incendiary devices were lit and thrown towards the field of play from the designated Gold Coast Knights Active Supporter Area throughout the fixture.
In accordance with the 2022 FQ Disciplinary Regulations, Gold Coast Knights is charged with breaching several clauses relating to Member/Spectator misconduct and specifically under Table E: Offences by Other Members, 22-01 and 22-02; ‘Possessing a Prohibited Item at a Match, Fixture or FQ event’ as stipulated in the definitions;
(Prohibited Items include, but are not limited to, flares, fireworks, explosives, smoke bombs, other flammable objects, loudhailers, weapons, illegal substances and instruments or anything that, in the opinion of Football Queensland, adversely affects the image, reputation and good will of the Member, Football Queensland or the game of football).
Football Queensland has determined the following charges and sanctions will be imposed on Gold Coast Knights Football Club:
- A financial penalty of $6,000.
- A deduction of three (3) competition points applied to the Gold Coast Knights 1st and U23s teams for the 2023 National Premier Leagues Queensland, suspended for 12 months on the condition that no further misconduct charge involving Gold Coast Knights supporters (at any level) is imposed by Football Queensland (including in a regional jurisdiction).
Football Queensland will continue to work with all clubs to create a safe environment for participants and spectators in attendance at matches, tournaments and events.
