Australian Football Club Condemns Fans For “Unacceptable” Homophobic Behavior
The Adelaide City FC have said they are “no longer” tolerating homophobic fans that attend their games.
On March 11, chairman Greg Griffin released a lengthy statement via social media condemning fans’ actions.
“I am deeply concerned as to the conduct and behavior of the supporters that border from being inappropriate to disgraceful,” he wrote.
“It is with embarrassment that I report that the recent conduct of some Adelaide City supporters has been completely unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated by this club.”
He then described the fans’ recent anti-LGBTQ+ interactions with Campbelltown and Cumberland players as “disgraceful abuse.”
“This is not something that the club will tolerate now being made aware of what has been said by so called supporters of the club to opposing teams and players,” he continued.
“The FSA rules on player and supporter conduct are clear. We all know them and must respect them. Those that do not either take the time to know them or respect them are no longer welcome at Oakden. It is simple as that.”
As Gay Times write, Griffin also revealed that some of the homophobic fans were identified by the FSA and were banned from the stadium.
“Unless fans and spectators are prepared to comply with the FSA Codes which Adelaide City embraces without question, then to be blunt you are no longer welcome here,” he wrote.
Toward the end of his announcement, Griffin said that the use of homophobic slurs prevents children’s attendance – which he described as the “lifeblood of the club.”
“The message is simple. You either play by the rules or you do not come. Those supporters who may well have been fortunate to not have been the subject of suspension by the FSA should proceed on the basis that going forward your first breach will be your last breach,” he concluded.
The impactful statement comes a couple of months after the Melbourne Victory FC were fined over fans spewing anti-LGBTQ abuse at gay Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo.
After the game, the openly gay player took to social media to condemn the spectators’ actions.
“This shouldn’t be acceptable and we need to do more to hold these people accountable. Hate never will win. I will never apologize for living my truth and most recently who I am outside of football,” he wrote.
On January 25, Football Australia (the country’s governing body of the sport) announced that Melbourne Victory was fined $5,000 AUD ($3628, £2,640) for the incident.
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