Wanderers fans with flares at Sydney derby could invoke more punishment and the wrath of stadium

A-LEAGUE Confidential: Any idiot ‘fans’ at this weekend’s Sydney derby could invoke further woes for their club — and the wrath of an entire stadium.

Wanderers fans walk to the ground before the Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory A League game at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. Pic Mark Evans

ALL eyes are on the Wanderers fans at the derby on Saturday, with unprecedented media to be on hand to record whether the idiot fringe can avoid the sort of incident deemed serious enough to invoke Western Sydney’s suspended three-point deduction.

Except, it could be more than three points. The assumption is that the three points would be punishment in their own right, but if FFA was sufficiently hacked off, they have told the club that they “reserve the right” to levy a fresh penalty on top.

That could have huge implications for the make-up of the finals, let alone the Premier’s Plate.

All eyes will be on Wanderers fans for this weekend’s Sydney derby.

But if even that doesn’t ram home the message to the morons, the likely reaction of other fans might. Word is going around that the appearance of even a single flare will be condemned by the boos of an entire stadium.

Wanderer’s star needs something a little stronger

IT was almost with a sense of shock that our eyes alighted on a video of Federicio Piovaccari, Western Sydney’s lesser-spotted marquee striker, put up on social media by the club.

Federicio Piovaccari during Western Sydney Wanderers training.

In it Piovaccari was busy spruiking the merits of a supplements company the club has a deal with, but we can’t help but think that he might need something a bit stronger than some herbs if his exile from the team carries on.

Rest could be key to derby success

GRAHAM Arnold is doing everything he can to rejuvenate his team ahead of the Sydney derby. Sydney FC usually train at Allianz Stadium the afternoon before a home game, but on Friday they will stick to their home base at Macquarie Park and train in the morning instead.

Arnold believes the late afternoon session may be contributing to the team’s sluggishness on the pitch, which is why he is testing out how an afternoon of rest may better serve the players.

Cahill a no-go til next season

CALLS for Tim Cahill to be repatriated have sparked anger that FFA isn’t moving heaven and earth to get the Socceroos’ leading scorer back to Australia and give the A-League a shot in the arm. But that anger might be better directed at the paper-pushers in FIFA’s Zurich office.

Socceroo Tim Cahill hasn’t ruled out a return to the A-League but wants football’s governing body to develop a long-term plan for the competition.

FFA does have the right to register a player outside the transfer window, if they are a guest, marquee or injury replacement signing. In fact, it’s happened before, particularly with injury replacements.

The problem is getting the international transfer certificate, which is basically FIFA’s rubberstamp that a deal is all aboveboard. And FIFA won’t issue one of those outside the transfer windows. So Sydney FC could sign Cahill now for $437 million but he still wouldn’t be allowed to play until next season.

Brand Cahill flying high

THE player himself meanwhile may not have had the best week on the pitch, but Cahill has had an entirely different focus — the catwalk.

The 36-year-old had his contract sensationally terminated by Shanghai Shenhua, but just two days later his clothing brand, Cahill Plus, made its debut at New York Fashion Week. Presumably putting the “leg” into “Legacy”.

Mariners trial un-social media

THE Mariners invited their members to a meet and greet with the club’s marquee signing Luis Garcia, but there was a catch — no one was allowed to request an autograph from him or ask for a photo with the former Liverpool star. In the age of social media, odd rules like that almost defeat the purpose.

Mariners fans were left wanting a little more of Luis Garcia.

Phoenix rising at FIFA

BLAKE Powell found himself in decent company following his heroics against the Wanderers last weekend. The Wellington Phoenix striker scored four superb goals at Parramatta to sink Western Sydney and his efforts have seen him selected in the FIFA team of the week, alongside Luis Suarez, Pedro and Coutinho.

Originally published as Wanderers fans with flares at Sydney derby could invoke more punishment and the wrath of stadium