Wanderers fans hit out at FFA after club issued with show cause over banner

In the face of condemnation from their club and with another show-cause notice issued, Western Sydney Wanderers fan group, the Red and Black Bloc, are refusing to back down after a homophobic banner was unfurled during the weekend’s Sydney derby.

The Wanderers, who ended Sydney FC’s unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, were given a show-cause notice by Football Federation Australia on Monday night after banners depicting Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold performing oral sex were displayed by a section of their fans in the stands during the game.

FFA branded the banner “offensive to any reasonable member of the public” and invited the club to explain their fans’ actions before a deadline of midday on Thursday.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas confirmed the club would do so and took the opportunity to reinforce their stance on the incident.

“Notwithstanding that the club has yet to submit its response, Western Sydney Wanderers FC unequivocally states – and reinforces its position provided on Sunday after the match – that it does not in any capacity welcome, authorise or condone the display of imagery depicted in a banner on Saturday night.

“It is an affront to many on a multitude of levels and is completely unacceptable.”

Tsatsimas said that the club was working with the venue, security and FFA to identify the individuals involved.

“As a club made up of the most diverse and inclusive cross-section of members and fans in Australian sport we are committed to working with FFA and our stadiums to ensure our matches remain a positive family friendly environment,” he added.

Wanderers are already under the cloud of a suspended points deduction over trouble associated with the lighting of flares and now potentially face further sanctions, with a fine and restrictions on supporters possible.

But the RBB showed no contrition in a social media post, branding FFA “dictatorial” and questioning the governance of the A-League in a strongly-worded statement on the group’s Facebook page.

“We find it ironic that it takes the FFA barely 24 hours to respond to a banner deemed ‘offensive’, but take over 12 months to even commence an appeals process agreed upon in December 2015,” the RBB said.

“Clearly football in this country is in the wrong hands. Football belongs to the people, not a dictatorial body or the likes of so-called expert commentators. The sport doesn’t belong to the FFA, nor does it belong to the likes of [television pundit] Robbie Slater. Fuck off with your pandering to mainstream media.”

Wanderers striker Brendon Santalab, whose goal proved decisive as his side registered their first derby win in over three years, was critical of the fans responsible and said the club would like to “stamp out” such incidents.

Sydney FC have asked FFA to elicit an apology from the Wanderers for coach Arnold, according to AAP.

The banner was not the only incident to attract the attention of the authorities on Saturday night: 15 arrests were made, with FFA aiding police in their investigations over a reported brawl between fans.