But Gallop made no apologies over FFA’s heavy-handed tactics in rooting out anti-social behaviour, despite two of the A-League’s biggest supporter groups threatening to walk out of matches this weekend in protest against the governing body.
Advertisement
“We have repeatedly and publicly said that we will identify and ban those who engage in anti-social behaviour at A-League matches”. This process is designed and enforced to protect the safety and enjoyment of one of our most important stakeholder groups, the fans”, the statement read. nbsp; nbsp;”FFA does not ban spectators lightly but, like any host venue including sporting stadiums and hotels, will refuse entry to persons where we are not satisfied that they will respect the safety and enjoyment of other patrons. nbsp; nbsp;”Before issuing a Banned Notice, an FFA security committee reviews credible information provided by law enforcement, stadium security, FFA’s security consultants and clubs”.
“I’m pleading to the FFA, please, please on behalf of all people in football you could nip a lot of this in the bud by saying you will have a proper and fair appeals process”.
Western Sydney Wanderers defender Scott Jamieson has called on the club’s fans not to stage a walkout midway through Sunday’s A-League match against the Central Coast. “However, within the parameters of the system that is in place at FFA, if you feel you have been wrongly banned and have compelling evidence to support your claim please contact our office at [email protected] and bring this evidence forward and we will advocate on your behalf to the FFA”.
FFA chief executive David Gallop distanced the organisation from the leak, saying the list is sent to clubs, venues and police to allow them to enforce the stadium bans.
“If you don’t stand up for your supporters and this is all too much for you then maybe you should just look after the national teams and let the A-League clubs run themselves”.
“We will always advocate for the rights of our members (in both public and private forums) who are exceptional in both their behaviour and their passion for this club and who have been branded unfairly in a negative manner”, Tsatsimas said. It’s understood at least one person has lost their job as a result of the story, while some of those listed were underage.
Western Sydney Wanderers fans are considering legal action against FFA.
But if anything, the report has opened up old wounds.
Wanderers fans were left outraged after News Corp Australia revealed a list of 198 banned A-League fans on Sunday, with slightly under half of those coming from the Western Sydney club.
Advertisement
Supporters have long held reservations over FFA’s security policy, which provides banned spectators with no avenue for appeal.
