- A Wanderers fan made a gesture at a match last month
- New South Wales laws enacted during 2022 made saluting illegal
A prominent Western Sydney Wanderers supporter who was caught on camera performing a Nazi salute at an A-League Men’s match has been handed a two-year ban by Football Australia.
Network Ten television coverage showed the sight of the fan making the gesture at the end of last month’s Sydney derby at Allianz Stadium.
In the footage, the man can be seen raising his middle finger towards the camera before quickly giving the apparent salute.
New laws enacted during 2022 make the gesture illegal in New South Wales, with a maximum jail sentence of 12 months.
The man who made the gesture (pictured standing, centre) has been banned from all matches for two years by Football Australia.
New South Wales Police said on Monday they were investigating the incident and have yet to make any arrests, but the FA handed the supporter a two-year suspension.
“As the governing body of football in Australia, we maintain a firm stance against any form of racist and/or anti-social behaviour,” the governing body said in a statement.
“This individual’s actions not only breached the A-League’s terms of admission and our spectator code of conduct, but fundamentally contradicted the values of respect and inclusion upheld by Football Australia.
‘In response, Football Australia has issued a two-year ban for this spectator, with immediate effect.
The football fan was seen doing the illegal salute on TV coverage of last month’s A-League derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers (pictured).
‘This ban covers all matches sanctioned by Football Australia, including national team matches, Australian Cup matches, A-Leagues matches, National Second Division matches and National Premier League matches. .
“We are committed to ensuring that football remains a sport that unites communities and provides a safe and respectful environment for all.”
The FA issued lifetime bans on the use of the Nazi salute following the 2022 Australian Cup final between Sydney United 58 and Macarthur.
Three Sydney United fans appeared in court last month accused of making the gesture and pleaded not guilty.
