Wanderers could ban unruly fans for good

THEY revolutionised the atmosphere at ALeague games, but now Western Sydney’s Red and Black Bloc have been warned that they could be shut down if they step out of line one more time.

With the club facing a fine or a suspended points penalty over the flares that were let off in Sunday’s derby, the Wanderers have closed the RBB’s active area for one game — and will do so indefinitely in the event of any further transgressions.

Though two flares were lit during the game, others were found by stadium security hidden in the toilets nearby at Allianz the day before the game.

RBB members wore T-shirts to the derby emblazoned with FCK FFA, and held aloft a variety of signs including some that read 1312 – alphabetical code for “All Cops Are Bastards”.

Following through on a threat to get tough issued last July, Western Sydney told its members that the so-called “active area” will be shut for Sunday’s game against Perth.

That may not be enough to save the club from further punishment, after A-League boss Greg O’Rourke has sent the Wanderers a “show cause” letter over the events at the derby. Though it’s not expected that the club will have points deducted, a fine is likely and also possibly a restoration of the suspended points penalty from last season that expired in May.

In a letter to members sent yesterday to mitigate the damage, Western Sydney CEO John Tsatsimas said that “a small group have made this action unavoidable” after two flares were lit in the minutes after the Wanderers took the lead on Sunday.

Tsatsimas warned the RBB that any further misbehaviour would lead to a longterm ban, in a move that is likely to bring to a head tension between the RBB and the club.