A young fan could be banned from attending Northern NSW NPL matches after running onto the pitch with a flare at full-time of the qualifying final.
NNSW confirmed on Monday that its Disciplinary and Integrity Unit was investigating a post-match incident following the Maitland-Weston clash at Cooks Square Park on Sunday.
Weston won a thrilling penalty shootout 5-4 over their arch rivals after the scoreline was nil-all at the end of extra time.
A group of fans ran onto the field after Weston's Japanese import Mana Iwasaki converted the decisive spot kick.
The match was broadcast and footage shows a fan lighting a flare as he approached Weston players celebrating, with black smoke billowing across the ground.
The ground announcer can be heard over the public address system repeatedly instructing the fan to "get the flare off the field".
The fan joined in celebrations and did not appear to threaten any player or match official.
Eventually, security took the flare from the fan and removed it from the field.
A Weston player and an official escorted the pitch invader from the field.
The incident will be reviewed under the Football Australia Spectator Code of Behaviour.
Under the code, fans must "not enter or attempt to enter the field of play or playing arena without lawful authority".
They are also required to "comply with all terms of admission including provisions relating to items that are prohibited by law or restricted by policy from being brought into the venue".
If found guilty, penalties include bans from attending future matches.
NNSW said providing ground security was the responsibility of the club hosting the match, in this instance Maitland.
The governing body arranges security for the grand final.
A number of NPL clubs have active supporter groups, and NNSW said it had "reminded clubs about matchday standards and spectator behaviour in communications sent last week".
Meanwhile, NNSW has confirmed playing schedules for the second week of the finals and play-offs.
In the NPL, Broadmeadow will host Weston in the major semi-final on Saturday (4pm), with Maitland and Edgeworth to meet in the minor semi-final on Sunday at Cooks Square Park (4pm).
The second leg of the promotion-relegation play-offs will be held.
Kahibah, who won the first leg 2-1, will host New Lambton at Fred Wright Oval on Saturday (2pm).
Wallsend welcome Newcastle Croatia to The Gardens on Sunday after a 6-all draw in the first leg.
In the women's NPL Maitland are at home to New Lambton in the major semi-final on Saturday 4pm.
Lake Macquarie host Broadmeadow Magic in the minor semi-final on Sunday (4pm)
