Melbourne Victory, has severed its sponsorship links with EnergyWatch after the revelation that the company's CEO and co-founder Ben Polis had made several insulting and discriminatory posts on his Facebook page. EnergyWatch joined the club seven months ago in a six figure deal with its logo appearing on the club's away shirt throughout the just-concluded season.

In a statement the club said it regards views Mr Polis' comments as "totally unacceptable". It was left with no choice but to terminate the existing agreement in consideration of its brand, and that of its partners, it said.

"The club is proud of its multi-cultural supporter base, engagement with eclectic segments of the community and fostering of equal opportunity within football and would never compromise this," the statement added.

Chairman Anthony Di Pietro said: "We take matters like this very seriously. After a thorough investigation and discussions between board and management, we felt it in the best interest of the club, partners and members that we make the decision to terminate the agreement with immediate effect.

"We have built this club over the past seven years on a platform of strong values and to hear such remarks and how they have challenged these values, left us with no other option but to cease the partnership with EnergyWatch."

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