Western Sydney playmaker Mitch Nichols is at risk of missing the A-League grand final after giving a two-finger salute to Roar fans after the thrilling extra-time semi-final win over Brisbane.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has confirmed it is reviewing the incident, after the Roar had reported the actions of their former long-serving player, according to Fairfax Media.
Nichols, who was off the field at the time, ran 50 metres to make the gesture and blow kisses to the Roar fanbase on Sunday evening after the Wanderers won the semi 5-4.
“The club is very disappointed to see the image of a former championship player and the actions he took towards our supporters,” Roar CEO David Pourre said.
“We believe the investigation is being conducted by the FFA into the matter and we will await the outcome of that investigation.”
However, Wanderers defender Scott Jamieson has come out in defence of his teammate, saying Nichols had copped the same abuse from the visiting fan group for the whole match, and instead criticised the Roar for reporting the matter in the first place.
“There was no malice in it of any sort … it was a bit of banter,” he said.
“The Brisbane Roar camp have come out and said a few comments which I don’t really see the point in because they’re out. Let it be – move on.”
Waz
Guest
lol. I think we're on the same page. There were a few "blow ins" amongst the Roar crowd who weren't there for the football it seems. The FFA need to flag all incidents and explain what happened etc. there's too many numpties trying to spoil things unfortunately
Waz
Guest
Kaks, SVB, I dont disagree with anything you've said. Nicholls deserves some slack as he was getting caught up in the emotion as does Aloisi Snr. And I don't think it's about turning everyone involved in to emotionless drones or dishing out knee-jerk punishments but it would seem to me the FFA could have a simple code of conduct (don't do this etc) and a sliding scale for punishment - first offence from small fine to reoeat offences a ban maybe? However the FFA found it hard to be consistent on players kicking each other this season so I doubt this will be any different lol.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Few, glad you agree! Was worried I would have to fire up on you like I was prepared to do on the FFA! With all the criticism the FFA receive, some of it is completely justified. Feel's like it is run by a bunch of monkeys at times.
Evan askew
Guest
Triple j are a bunch of commies
Waz
Guest
Agree entirely. You know my thoughts on the FFA though already ... I don't think they're very good !
Kaks
Roar Guru
Good on them, that still doesnt excuse the fact that a flare was brought into the stadium by a Roar fan and let off. After all the chest beating by the FFA, you would think they would act on it or make a comment about it. Heck they can even comment on the fact that the surroudning fans helped identify the perpetrator. Instead they remain silent and look like hypocrites who only act/comment if images are splashed around the news.
Kaks
Roar Guru
My issue is that the Brisbane Roar are complaining about a players gesture to the fans, after not only were their fans heard taunting Nichols all game and setting off a flare, but their assistant coach was caught swearing at fans and one of their players also taunted their fans (albeit, McLaren's taunt is nothing major - I actually like stuff like that). Seems like sour grapes. Also, I am still PO'd that no one has mentioned the flare being let off by the Roar fans.
SVB
Guest
If we go through every incident Waz, we will spending a lot of time looking at players behavior. Because most of them tend to be spoilt little brats. Nichols probably deserves a slap on the wrist and maybe a small fine. I had no problem with what Ross Aloisi did. In fact I was laughing about it. Players and coaches need to express themselves a little bit. No harm was done in this game. It is probably the crowd that made the players behave the way they did in the end. It was an emotional game to some degree.
Waz
Guest
Kaks, The "flare incident"? Compare this - a Roar fan let's off a flare, other Roar fans assist stadium security in identifying the perpetrator, he's arrested, faces a 5 year ban, the act is condemned on supporters websites and by the club. How does that compare to Wanderers ? Did the RBB assist in identifying those that rip flares (no is my understanding?) did the RBB condemn the use of flares? (Something about freedom of choice wasn't there?). I've no doubt if there are repeat offences Roar will get the same sanction as WSW and Victiry but so far, whether it's the threat of sanction or not, the first flare incident involving Roar fans in 2 years resulted in fans present cooperating for an arrest. That's worth talking about.
Waz
Guest
It opens up a debate as to what standards we want from our players and coaches. Is it acceptable for Nicholls to run 50m and do this? Is it acceptable for Ross Aloisi to verbally engage with Wanderers fans after the equaliser to pick just two (there's been others this season but mentioning them risks distraction). If it is acceptable behaviour, then we have a bit of an issue defining the line as to what is considered unacceptable, and next season could McLaren, Berisha et al celebrate a goal by flicking the "v" to the RBB? The second issue is what is an acceptable or appropriate punishment? In Nicholls case missing the GF would be harsh and the FFA (for once lol) have been smart in deferring the hearing to next week but it would seem most of the posters here think Nichols behaviour is acceptable therefore the debate on appropriate punishment is a mute point on this forum; in fact the consensus seems to be that Brisbane Roar are at fault for complaining -- maybe the FFA should withdraw Roars 'Fair Play Award' in punishment??
Kaks
Roar Guru
Wasnt just the CEO Roar's left back Corey Brown complained about it in an interview on monday. Conveniently left out the flare incident, Ross Aloisi incident and Jamie McLaren taunting the home fans. Then again, can you blame the kid? Probably still shell shocked after Castelen tore him a new a$$
Mango Jack
Guest
Did John Aloisi complain, or just the Roar CEO?
Waz
Guest
c) Batau for making a dumb posting
Fussball IUL
Roar Rookie
Hold on a second... The FFA hasn't done anything yet. Brisbane Roar has lodged a complaint about Nichols' behaviour. The FFA has to act upon the complaint. If there is any forehead slapping, it should be aimed at: a) Nichols for being unprofessional b) Brisbane Roar for being sore losers
Batou
Guest
Another forehead slap inducing moment from the FFA. To even contemplate scrubbing a player from their showpiece event for this is ridiculous. Sure Nichols was a naughty boy and maybe needs a slap on the wrist or something but they shouldn't even be contemplating a ban. What's even dumber is to allow this to be a story in the build up to the grand final rather than getting the focus on the game itself and all the positives that go with it. Listening to triple J this morning (very poor coverage of football in general) this was the only football related news item. Sure I know that the broadcasters love this kind of story because it allows then to reference the grand final without having to get their heard around any of the on field issues, but if the FFA acted quicker it could have been 'Mitch Nichols cleared to play in A-League grand final' followed by some match build up rather than 'Mitch Nichols may miss final' with details of his misdemeanor following.
Christine
Guest
I am disappointed that John aloisi would make a complaint to the Fifa about Mitch Nichols and the 2 finger salute he made The roar fans were dishing out abuse to Mitch for the whole game so it was nothing but a friendly banter from Mitch Nichols Move on John, get over it and let Mitch play in the grand final where he deserves to play There were roar players making rude gestures towards the crowd last Sunday so what are you doing about this John Get over it
Kris
Guest
Pretty average from Nichols, but nothing that Berisha doesn't do on a weekly basis.
paul
Guest
I doubt FFA will tarnish the Grand Final by nobbling one of the teams over such an incident. A fine is what he'll probably get, suspended suspension at the most.
Fussball IUL
Roar Rookie
Ridiculous thing for Mitch Nichols to do. Ridiculous thing for Brisbane Roar's CEO to complain about. We must be very close to the Silly Season for Aleague.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Rival players have been giving it to rival fans for as long as I can remember. I had no issue with the Mauk thing, he was giving it to the fans who were giving it to him - It is part and parcel of sport. If the fans cant cop anything when it comes back at them then they should not dish it out in the first place. "Once again, only an issue because there’s a picture to go along with it." - Exactly! Ross will not be sanctioned and the Roar will not be punished for the flare, as the images werent splashed in the media. The FFA doesnt need to pretend like it cares to put out any fires for those issues! Makes me sick.