Another grand setback

October 12 2007

Shepparton News

The North Eastern Soccer League grand final re-match between Shepparton and Yoogali set for this weekend has been cancelled after an official appeal of a tribunal's order to play the match again was lodged by the Reds yesterday.

The league had no choice but to move the game after the Football Federation of Victoria advised the league to hear Shepparton's appeal before any potential rematch.

An appeals board will be assembled on Monday.

The original tribunal had declared that Shepparton's "unsporting" win in the original grand final - played on September 23 - was to be re-played on Sunday with no exception.

But it now appears that not only that ruling, but the tribunal's decision to order a re-match at all could be overturned.

The league was yesterday apprehensive to release details of Shepparton's appeal, or allow The News to view the papers lodged.

The player at the centre of the grand final controversy, Adrian Ingham, was also ordered to face a misconduct hearing by the independent tribunal of John Karounos, Gordon Porter and Bruce Little.

Initially set to front the tribunal last night, Ingham's hearing has also been moved to Monday.

Ingham was charged with misconduct over his role in the original grand final.

After being substituted from the field in the 1-1 draw, Ingham took a penalty during the shoot-out won 7-6 by the Reds.

On the Wednesday after the game, Yoogali president Paul Fisher submitted an official notice of appeal to the league, which was answered at last Thursday's tribunal.

Karounos, Porter and Little were emphatic a rematch was the only option available under FIFA rules.

The Victorian federation is keeping a close eye on the situation, desperate to ensure no more damage is done to the sport's reputation.

Shepparton has appointed a solicitor to assist it in Monday night's appeal.