Victory supporters were evicted from Morshead Park by stadium officials after releasing six flares and stealing a corner flag in the second half of Saturday’s National Premier Leagues Victoria One clash.

Smith labelled the incident “bitterly disappointing” in what was otherwise a “fantastic” spectacle for Reds fans, despite the 4-1 loss.

“People won’t remember the score and they won’t remember the first time Victory came here (for a points match); instead, they’ll remember that flares were let off and a flag was stolen,” he said.

Aside from the flag theft, Smith said those evicted had also caused damage to several signs surrounding the stadium, while the flares had caused superficial damage to grass on the Pleasant Street side of the mound. “It’s the old hindsight thing, we’ve never had to worry about this before,” he said.

“We’ll look at our match-day measures and act accordingly as well.

“We had six security on and we clearly have to be more vigilant in our measures, but who’s to say that they just didn’t throw them over the fence, because this is not the MCG where it’s not an absolutely secure environment.

“We can’t just have 20 or so staff on.”

Smith said the Red Devils wouldn’t initiate any investigations with Football Federation Victoria about the incident, but would provide evidence if required.

“We will respond if asked to by FFV, but we won’t be initiating any sort of action,” he said.

“The referees’ report will be the first stage. It’s something the NPLV and FFV have to take very seriously.”