The Roar
The Roar

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The FFA has been taken for a ride again

10th October, 2016
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Is the RBB overreacting? (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
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10th October, 2016
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“What idiots, there goes three points.” So said a punter at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, as the familiar glow of orange emerged from the packed Red and Black Bloc.

Those of a Sky Blue and neutral persuasion shook their heads at the sheer stupidity of it all.

I mean, who rips a flare when your own club has a suspended three competition point deduction hanging over its head?

Not long after, it was 2-0 to Sydney FC. By full time, it was 4-0, with the Wanderers three flares to nil up on the night.

It should have been a foregone conclusion that Western Sydney would be deducted three points and that a genuine step towards stamping these idiots out of our game would be taken.

Not so.

Football Federation Australia has tonight determined to extend the suspended points deduction to the end of the season. It was in place until February 2017.

But those flares on Saturday night, they were in October. October 2016.

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Yet again, the FFA has missed an opportunity to show it is serious about rubbing out anti-social behaviour at the football.

Don’t mistake this as a cheap shot at the governing body. I’ve known A-League chief Greg O’Rourke for a long time – he is as passionate about the game and its health as anyone. That’s why he is where he is.

But we can’t go on like this.

Yes, it is a minority. Yes, it’s not just Wanderers fans.

But the minority is part of a collective, housed among the most passionate supporters of their clubs.

When some so-called ‘fans’ (I refuse to believe they actually care about the club or the game) are posing for selfies in their jerseys with their faces covered, in front of a cloud of smoke and a bright orange glow, something has to be done about it.

What’s the point of having a suspended points deduction if it’s not going to be activated for the very same behaviour that caused it to be handed down in the first place?

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These so-called ‘fans’ are taking the FFA for a ride. How far can they push their luck? (Click to Tweet)

Each flare ripped at the football is one flare too many, but the longer the FFA stands idly by with their hands in their pockets, the more these so-called ‘fans’ are going to push the envelope.

“Take our points off us, I dare you,” these idiots seem to be saying.

It’s like the kid at school who continually plays up, but never gets taken out of class.

The FFA is playing the role of schoolteacher, unable to control class, to perfection.

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