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Bosnich to FFA: Look after A-League supporters

Former Socceroo Mark Bosnich has begged Football Federation Australia to introduce an appeals process for banned spectators, or consider letting the A-League clubs run the competition themselves.

Nov 26, 2015, updated Nov 26, 2015
Crowds during an A-League fixture at Coopers Stadium.

Crowds during an A-League fixture at Coopers Stadium.

Bosnich said fans who have committed anti-social behaviour should have the book thrown at them – but those who feel they have been banned unfairly should be able to have their cases heard.

“They have not got an appeals process and if you’re just dragged into a situation that has nothing of your doing and you’re just defending yourself, you could get a four, five or six year ban,” Bosnich told Fox Sports News.

“I’m pleading to the FFA, please, please on behalf of all people in football you could nip a lot of this in the bud by saying you will have a proper and fair appeals process.

“If you don’t stand up for your supporters and this is all too much for you then maybe you should just look after the national teams and let the A-League clubs run themselves.”

Bosnich’s comments came after the Western Sydney Wanderers declared they will advocate on behalf of any club member who has proof that they’ve been unfairly banned.

In an open letter to club members, Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said anyone with “compelling evidence” to support their claim was welcome to contact the club, who will then take their case to FFA.

Earlier on Wednesday, FFA chief executive David Gallop defended the governing body’s heavy-handed tactics in rooting out anti-social behaviour at games, saying they have the right to ban whoever they see fit.

Gallop claimed a leaked list of 198 people banned from A-League venues – published in News Corp Australia publications on Sunday, along with pictures of those named – is “proof” the sport is taking supporter safety seriously.

“FFA, in conjunction with Police, A-League clubs and various security consultants, has systems in place to identify individuals who don’t behave and don’t belong,” Gallop said.

“Some face criminal charges as a result of their actions.

“Even if they don’t, FFA and its clubs have a right to determine who can attend A-League matches.”

Gallop distanced FFA from the leak, saying the list is sent to clubs, venues and police to allow them to enforce the stadium bans.

Melbourne Victory chief executive Ian Robson late on Wednesday issued a statement demanding the FFA enquire as to how the document was made public.

“We have asked FFA as to how the ‘banned spectator document’ was leaked, what safeguards were in place, and what changes will be made to ensure we don’t see a repeat of this,” said Robson.

News Corp’s report has enraged some A-League supporters. It’s understood at least one person has lost their job as a result of the story, while some of those listed were underage.

Many feel they were inappropriately banned and thus have been tarred with the same brush as those who have committed violent offences.

Sydney law firm Freedom Fighters Lawyers has confirmed to AAP that close to a dozen of those named in the banned list have engaged their services and are exploring their legal options.

But if anything, the report has opened up old wounds.

Supporters have long held reservations over FFA’s security policy and in particular the fact there is no avenue to appeal bans.

Melbourne Victory’s chief supporter group North Terrace and the Wanderers’ Red and Black Bloc have made clear their intention to walk out of this weekend’s A-League fixtures, which could see as many as 2000 fans up and leave the stadium during the match, to draw attention to their grievances.

-AAP

Topics: A-League
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