The Adelaide City FC have said they are “no longer” tolerating homophobic fans that attend their games.
On 11 March, chairman Greg Griffin released a lengthy statement via social media condemning the fans’ recent actions.
“I am deeply concerned as to the conduct and behaviour 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 the 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.”
Griffin also revealed that some of the homophobic fans were identified by the FSA and 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.
Towards 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 openly gay Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo endured abuse from fans of Melbourne Victory FC.
After the game on 8 January, the 22-year-old took to social media and condemned 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 apologise for living my truth and most recently who I am outside of football,” he wrote.
As a result of the fans’ horrendous behaviour, Melbourne Victory FC was hit with a $5,000 AUD (£2,640) fine.
Latest
