Football Federation Australia has identified the fan who slapped Sydney FC defender Aaron Calver on the face and will issue him a multi-year ban.
Calver decided not to press charges after a Western Sydney fan struck him at the conclusion of the Sky Blues’ dramatic 4-3 win at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday.
The governing body confirmed in a statement on Monday that the spectator would be issued with a lengthy ban in the coming days from any FFA sanctioned match – including Socceroos fixtures, A-League matches and FFA Cup games.
The ban is almost certain to be more than the standard five years for anti-social behaviour with FFA viewing this incident as far more serious.
In a separate incident two Sydney supporters were left hospitalised, one with a broken leg and the other with a broken wrist, after leaving the stadium.
NSW Police confirmed officers from the Parramatta Local Area Command have been notified of the brutal attack and were currently investigating.
Arrests have yet to be made.
“The identity of a person who is alleged to have struck a Sydney FC player is known and that person will be subject to the national code of conduct and faces a ban from attending football matches under FFA’s control,” the FFA statement read.
“FFA is also liaising with police, security and both clubs to ascertain the full facts around an incident that has alleged to have taken place outside the stadium that has seen two Sydney FC fans injured.
“FFA would like to reiterate its zero tolerance to anti-social behaviour and is working with the authorities to identify the offenders and ensure they are banned from attending A-League matches.”
Several flares were also lit, with at least one being thrown towards the pitch, which will result in multi-year bans for those involved.
There was no lack of action on the pitch in the seven-goal thriller which was decided by a late Terry Antonis winner.
But a brilliant A-League spectacle has been tarnished by poor fan behaviour.
“All fans need to just take a chill pill,” Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata told AAP on Monday.
“We all want to support our teams but after that let’s get back to the world we live in.”
Calver had been dropped for the match and was watching from a players’ box high in the stands.
The 19-year-old was making his way to the dressing room to celebrate with his teammates when he was assaulted by a Wanderers supporter, who was swiftly apprehended by security.
The other violent altercation occurred as four Sydney FC male fans made their way from the stadium to Parramatta train station and were allegedly set upon by a group of up to 30 men.
One of the injured supporters is still in hospital facing an operation on his leg. A second was discharged with a broken wrist.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Phillip Cancar’s rather comical and momentarily delayed dive in the 36th minute of Newcastle Jets 3-1 win over Sydney FC on Sunday was a…
