A life ban has been issued to a spectator who was shown doing a “fascist salute” on the TV broadcast of the Australia Cup last weekend following a swift investigation by Football Australia.
Sydney United 58, which lost the match at CommBank Stadium to Macarthur FC, was issued a show cause notice after the behaviour of the fans drew heavy criticism.
The disgraceful and racist behaviour included Nazi salutes, chanting and jeering during the Welcome to Country and the singing of Za Dom Spremni, which was used by the fascist Ustase movement in Croatia in the 1930s and 1940s.
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On Wednesday, FA confirmed one spectator would be banned from attending Football Australia-sanctioned matches, including all NPL, A-Leagues, Australia Cup, and national team matches, for life.
The ban is effective immediately.
“What should have been a celebration of a tightly contested and excellent game of football, has been marred by the actions of groups of a few people, which do not represent the values and expectations of our football community,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said.
“Their actions have disrespected, hurt, and offended members of our football community.
“Football Australia is committed to promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all Australians engaging with football, where the rights, dignity and worth of every person are properly respected.”
Sydney United 58 escaped sanction but more penalties could yet come for more spectators.
“We are continuing to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement in identifying other individuals who may have committed similar anti-social behaviour at the Australia Cup 2022 final,” Johnson said.
“Football Australia adopts a zero-tolerance policy to disrespectful and offensive behaviour at sanctioned events and will not tolerate behaviour that has the potential to offend, insult humiliate, disparage or vilify spectators, players or officials.
“Together, we must continue to ensure our game remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all Australians engaging with football, where the rights, dignity and worth of every person are properly respected.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said: “We cautiously welcome the action taken by Football Australia in handing a lifetime attendance ban to a fan who performed a fascist salute.
“Images on social media show many more fans taking part in these abhorrent acts, including booing the Welcome to Country. We look forward to further swift and heavy penalties to be enforced by Football Australia as these fans are identified.
“This behaviour was not only an affront to the Jewish community and the Indigenous community but an affront to all Australians.
“The Jewish Board of Deputies welcomes further collaboration with Football Australia and Professional Footballers Australia on what we can do together to ensure this behaviour is stamped out permanently.”
In a statement, the Sydney United 58 board said the club had “zero tolerance towards any form of disrespect, racism or discrimination”
“The club strongly condemns any behaviour that does not reflect the wider views of the club and its loyal supporters,” the statement said.
“It is also encouraging to see the wider football community denounce this on social media.
“The club is deeply committed to creating an environment that is respectful and inclusive, which also allows our community members to celebrate their heritage in a meaningful and responsible way.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Monday said the offending fans should be banned for life.
“It was absolutely horrendous,” Perrottet said.
“It has no place, not just at sporting games, but anywhere in our state, and I know the police are looking at it.”
