Key Points
- A Sydney United 58 supporter has received a lifetime ban over a "fascist salute" at a the Australia Cup final.
- The ban covers all National Premier League, A-League, Australia Cup, and national team matches.
A Sydney United 58 supporter has received a lifetime ban after an investigation found they had made a "fascist salute" during the .
after some of the club’s supporters were seen chanting songs with fascist links and making apparent Nazi salutes during the match.
The sport's governing body released a statement on Wednesday confirming one of the spectators under investigation had been banned for life from attending all Football Australia-sanctioned matches.
The ban takes immediate effect and covers all National Premier League, A-League, Australia Cup, and national team matches.
"The conduct in question relates to a fascist salute or similar gesture conducted during the match and captured on the host broadcast. Such conduct is a breach of the Australia Cup Terms of Admission and Football Australia’s Spectator Code of Behaviour," the sports governing body 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."
Some followers of United, formerly known as Sydney Croatia, sang Za Dom Spremni (For Homeland - Ready) - a chant used by the far-right Ustase movement in Croatia in the 1930s and 1940s - while others held up questionable banners.
Eight fans were ejected from Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday night during the match between Sydney United 58 and Macarthur FC, according to Football Australia.
It confirmed it would continue to work with NSW Police, security providers, and the clubs involved to identify other supporters who may have engaged in similar behaviour during the match.
'Behaviour an affront to all Australians'
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Darren Bark "cautiously welcomed" FA's action against the Sydney United 58 fan but expected there to be consequences for other supporters.
"Images on social media show many more fans taking part in these abhorrent acts, including booing the Welcome to Country," he said in a statement.
"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."
In an open letter to fans on Wednesday, FA chief executive James Johnson said the actions of a select few had marred "what should have been a celebration of a tightly contested and excellent game of football".
"I want to thank the Australian football community for taking a stand and making it clear that they will not accept this kind of behaviour and that it has no place in our game," he said.
"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 is properly respected."
With AAP
