Wanderers handed $20k fine

WESTERN Sydney have been fined $20,000 after being found guilty by Football Federation Australia of bringing the game into disrepute after Wanderers fans had displayed an offensive banner during a match against Sydney FC.

The homophobic banner depicted Sydney FC manager Graham Arnold engaging in a sex act.

The FFA could have activated a suspended points penalty on the Wanderers, but decided on the fine.

“The actions of the Western Sydney Wanderers spectators responsible for displaying the banner and the ensuing celebration of the banner on social media were completely unacceptable,” A-League boss Greg O’Rourke said.

On Wednesday, the Wanderers imposed 18-month suspensions on 14 members of their supporter group - the Red and Black Bloc and have committed to monitoring the behaviour of their supporters at matches and on social media.