A-League Clubs Could Face Punishment By FFA For Poor Fan Behavior

A-League clubs could "soon be punished for the actions of their fans, with Football Federation Australia exploring the prospect of deducting competition points from clubs whose supporters repeatedly misbehave" as part of its crackdown on anti-social fan behavior, according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. After a "public brawl" in Melbourne's Central Business District on Saturday, "the FFA is preparing to adopt the most severe measures in its power in an attempt to ensure there is no repeat." A-League President Damien De Bohun confirmed that "proposed strict penalties with an effect on results remained a real possibility as a means to deter negative fan behaviour and, if implemented, could come into effect within a matter of weeks." If "effected, the proposed punishment on clubs will not be popular among fans." The FFA, however, "has lost patience with the small minority of supporters that continue to light flares and attract unwanted attention" (SMH, 12/31).