If Ali Abbas had received an apology there would be no need for the FFA’s investigation into alleged racial vilification, says Sydney FC coach Frank Farina.
Farina on Wednesday voiced his support for his Iraq-born midfielder who claimed he was the victim of slurs against his religion and culture during Saturday’s heated 3-1 derby win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Sydney FC on Monday lodged an official complaint to Football Federation Australia (FFA), prompting what could be a drawn out dispute process.
Farina admitted he was disappointed the incident had overshadowed his side’s momentous victory but he also praised Abbas’ handling of the on-field post-match television interview when he made the claim as he explained his fiery behaviour.
“That situation could have been quashed straight away,” Farina said on Wednesday.
“Ali Abbas is a very honest, reliable, loyal person and for him to react that way, I have not seen him react that way since I’ve been at the club.
“So obviously the alleged incident, that something was said, I believe Ali unequivocally.
“But the whole situation could have been finished. Knowing Ali really well, if it had been said and if the person that said it had apologised it would be over.
“There would be no investigation, there’d be no further talks in the media about it. I know that from Ali that he would have certainly finished it right there.”
There is no clear time line for the dispute process, with FFA guidelines noting that it may include attempts at mediation or referral straight to a tribunal.
Farina praised the manner in which Abbas, who became an Australian citizen in 2012, handled himself when interviewed immediately after fulltime.
“He was very smart in the sense that he did not say after the game what was allegedly said, because I think if he wasn’t as smart and professional as he is this whole situation could have been very, very ugly,” Farina said.
The Sky Blues lifted themselves to fourth on the ladder with Saturday’s victory but face a tougher task when they host league leaders Brisbane on Friday.
Farina said the Abbas incident has not been a distraction for his side who are attempting to hang on to a top-six spot with only five games remaining before the finals.
He said Abbas harbours no anger over the matter and is solely focused on Friday’s match.
“He’s settled down, he’s a very calm person, so it must have been something pretty out of the ordinary or pretty bad for him to react in that way.
“But he’s certainly focused now on the game I only just had a talk with him this morning over a coffee and he’s ready to go.”
Franko
Guest
And as predicted yesterday Gallop is left looking a fool. The alleged Santalab quote is reported today in the SMH, 6 days after the incident and still nothing from our leader. Instead of reading about the SFC v BR game tonight (that should be a cracker) we have in all honesty disgusting quotes from Santalab gracing the back pages. -1 point D. Gallop
clayts
Guest
I didn't see a denial. I saw Santalab say, "what happens on the park stays on the park." That ain't a denial, more of an admission if you ask me
leon
Guest
Why would Santalab apologise given he denies the whole thing? Typical Farina idiocy.
Jimmy S
Guest
Found the FFA statement on the A-League site which explains why the FFA is silent... Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today received advice from Sydney FC that a formal complaint from Ali Abbas will be lodged in relation to an alleged incident during the Hyundai A-League Round 22 match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers last night. Such complaints are dealt with under FFA's National Member Protection Policy. Upon receipt of the formal complaint, FFA will instigate an investigation of the incident. The resolution process may include mediation or referral to a Disciplinary Tribunal. Under the National Member Protection Policy, the process is conducted confidentially and therefore FFA will make no comment about the allegation or the investigation.
bill boomer
Guest
Seems Gallop can't win. Do nothing and it's because he has a history of arbitary decisions do something and he hs a history...
Jimmy S
Guest
"Would just like to see Gallop on the front foot." Me too
Franko
Guest
Agree with all that you've written Jimmy. Would just like to see Gallop on the front foot. BTW, I think Santalab and Abbas should have been spoken to first thing Sunday.
Jimmy S
Guest
The recent Anelka case dragged on for 2 months, while the Suarez case dragged for 10 weeks, so expecting this to be resolved in a few days might be a little presumptuous. I know that's in a different hemisphere, but I'm looking at those cases for the timing. That said, I agree that it would be a better look for the FFA to announce the process and the timings of the inquiry and tribunal hearings if it's going down that path... but I'm guessing they'll probably want to speak to Santalab first before announcing any of that. Gallop has history in the NRL about making arbitrary decisions involving player misbehaviour, so I'm guessing he might be treading lightly? It's total supposition at this point because the FFA has been silent on the matter. Looking at the FFA website, the match report doesn't mention the allegation, the weekly review doesn't mention the allegation, and searches for both "Abbas" & "Santalab" don't bring up any results that mention the allegation. Totally agree that it's not a good look, but I think FFA were or still are hoping for an apology from Santalab in the hope it's all resolved quickly.
Franko
Guest
Would have thought the two lads could have been brought in to FFA HQ to submit their cases by now. Proper process is fine, but from a public perspective it looks as though that has not yet begun. Gallop has been good on a lot of things, but appears to be twiddling his thumbs on this very important issue.
SVB
Guest
LOL are you okay dude?
Allan
Guest
I can smell the fear through my monitor.
Jimmy S
Guest
Yeah, can't be done that easily Franko. Stupid Wandererses are in China probably buying human organs but mostly playing in the Asian Nearly Champions League. As much as justice would be served by banning Santalab for life, it's probably best to go through the proper processes for when WSW start accusing SFC players of being bigots because they don't associate with known criminals.
Franko
Guest
It's Thursday and this issue is still dragging on, sort it out Mr Gallop!