A dirty deed not so cheap

THE Western Sydney Wanderers have escaped a points deduction, with Football Federation Australia fining the club $20,000 after being found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute after their fans displayed an obscene banner at last Saturday’s derby.

With a suspended sentence already hanging over their heads, the Wanderers are fortunate FFA opted not to trigger the points deduction.

The decision follows the display of an authorised and crude banner by members of the Red and Black Bloc, portraying Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold performing a sex act. There were close to 45,000 fans at the match, including young children.

The Wanderers have already suspended 14 members of their active fan group who were responsible for the banner and FFA confirmed those fans will also be put through the FFA banning process.

In addition, the club will require the suspended members to undertake a social inclusion program and will monitor the actions of fans at matches.

Any breach could result in the shutting down of the active area.

FFA has commended the Wanderers for acknowledging the club must carry responsibility for the actions of its fans.

“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,” said Greg O’Rourke, head of the A-League.

“While we have noted and were pleased with the positive proactive measures undertaken by the Western Sydney Wanderers the fine reflects the fact clubs are responsible for the actions of their spectators and managing the approval of the game day banners and activities of their Active Fan Groups.”

FFA is working with the venue and security authorities to review other incidents of anti-social behaviour from both Sydney FC and Wanderers supporters at the match. Everything you need to know about the Heat in 2017 Tomorrow’s Cairns Post