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Football Australia has started the process for disciplinary action against Sydney United 58 after some of the club’s supporters displayed Nazi symbols and salutes during the Australia Cup final.
It came as United, formerly known as Sydney Croatia, issued a statement late on Sunday night condemning supporters who booed the pre-match welcome to country and the national anthem, sang fascist songs, displayed symbols associated with the far-right movement Ustaše and made Hitler salutes visible on camera.
Football Australia (FA) on Monday issued United with a show-cause notice under its national code of conduct and ethics, setting out the alleged misconduct by “a small minority of individuals” at Commbank Stadium on Saturday night, and giving the club until Friday to submit an explanation for the governing body to consider.
An FA spokesperson declined to speculate on the nature of any potential punishment, apart from indicating it is prepared to come down hard on what the New South Wales premier, Dominic Perrottet, called “absolutely horrendous” behaviour.
On Monday Perrottet said life bans should be imposed on some spectators.
FA has previously handed A-League Men clubs big fines and suspended points penalties for fan misconduct, including the lighting of flares and offensive banners.
“Sydney United 58 FC has zero tolerance towards any form of disrespect, racism or discrimination and is working closely with authorities to conduct a full investigation,” the club’s board said in a statement which was published on Facebook.
“The club strongly condemns any behaviour that does not reflect the wider views of the club, and its loyal supporters.
