After December’s A-League Men’s Melbourne derby ended with a violent pitch invasion, Football Australia (FA) has handed down the “heaviest” sanctions ever seen in Aussie soccer. About 150 fans stormed the field, forcing organisers to suspend the match after injuries were inflicted on Melbourne City goalie Tom Glover and referee Alex King. Melbourne Victory has been blamed for bringing “the game into disrepute”, and it’s been hit with a record fine of $550,000. There’s also a suspended 10-points deduction hanging over the club for the next 3 seasons that will be triggered by any “serious supporter misconduct” in the future. Victory fans will also be banned from sitting in the “active” section behind the goal at home games and barred from away games for the rest of the season. FA boss James Johnson called the punishment a “necessary step” to protect the “sacred” field of play. The match will be replayed in April from the 22-minute mark, and Melbourne City’s 1-0 lead remains in place.