CANBERRA (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A senior government official has stated that fans who showed Nazi salutes and insignia during the Australia Cup final “should be banned for life.”
After initiating disciplinary proceedings, Football Australia (FA) stated that it seriously condemns the behaviour of a small minority of Sydney United 58 supporters.
Dominic Perrottet, the state premier of New South Wales, described some supporters’ actions as “absolutely horrendous.”
The club expressed its alarm about allegations of fan behaviour.
Sydney United 58 issued a statement in which it said that it had no tolerance for any type of discrimination, disrespect or racism.
The club also said it would cooperate with law enforcement to carry out a complete investigation.
Investigations are also being conducted into attempts of fans to obstruct the Indigenous welcoming ceremony at Western Sydney Stadium before the kickoff.
The FA announced on Monday that it has served Sydney United 58, a semi-professional team, with a show-cause notice, asking the club for a response before implementation of any sanctions.
To take strong and rapid action on any suspected anti-social behaviour, the governing body said it was coordinating with the New South Wales police.
During the game, some Sydney United supporters were captured on camera giving the Nazi salute.
“It has no place, not just at sporting games, but anywhere in our state, and I know the police are looking at it,” said Perrottet.Â
“Those people who have done that through those salutes should be banned for life.”
The pre-match Welcome to Country chanting and booing, which is a custom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, will be taken into account by the FA investigation.
Chair of the Football Australia National Indigenous Advisory Group, Jade North, described the incidents yesterday night as being the result of ignorance on the part of some people and groups inside the stadium (NIAG).
Such a behaviour was disrespectful and shouldn’t continue in the game and attitudes must change.Â
Sydney United 58, previously Sydney Croatia, the first non-A-League team to reach the final, lost to Macarthur FC, 2-0 on Saturday in front of 16,461 spectators.
The board of the club said that the club was profoundly devoted to fostering an environment that was inclusive and respectful, allowing the members of the community to celebrate their heritage in a responsible and meaningful way.
Those who did not share these beliefs were not permitted to participate in Sydney United 58 FC, and their opinions would never be allowed.
Eight people were reportedly evicted from the game to handle some isolated behaviours by a small minority of people, FA said.
