The two men at the centre of the violent scenes which have rocked Sydney’s
football community face five-year bans from Football Federation
Australia-authorised matches.
The first man was identified as having
activated a flare at a trial match between Sydney FC and the Macarthur Rams at
Campbelltown Stadium on August 14, which sparked an ugly brawl and led to a
child being hit by a rock.
On Wednesday night a firework was thrown into a
crowd at the Western Sydney Wanderers trial match against Sydney United.
That
incident led to United fans clashing with police who were forced to use pepper
spray to subdue the unruly mob at Edensor Park.
“The troublemakers who bring
the game into disrepute with their reckless behaviour have no place in the
game,” said outgoing FFA chief executive Ben Buckley.
“The incidents at
Campbelltown and Edensor Park over the past week were the work of a few idiots
who wanted to cause trouble.
“Football at all levels will spend whatever time
and effort is required to ensure matches are played in a family-friendly
atmosphere where people can enjoy football.”
The ban will apply to all
matches under the authority of FFA, including the A-League, W-League and
national team matches played in Australia.
A third man will be banned for a
period to be determined following an alleged assault during the match at
Campbelltown.