A-League to let Football Australia deal with antics of Western Sydney Wanderers chairman

A-League officials had no comment to make about APL director Paul Lederer’s verbal lashing of referees at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.

Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer’s sideline spray of match officials is being scrutinised by Football Australia. Picture: Britta Campion / The Australian

A-League officials have refused to comment on the behaviour of Western Sydney chairman Paul Lederer and have seemingly washed their hands of his sideline “abuse” of match officials following the Wanderers’ 3-3 weekend draw with Newcastle.

The Wanderers had two players – Tate Russell and Jorrit Hendrix – sent off at CommBank Stadium and needed a stoppage-time goal from captain Marcelo to salvage a point.

It was all too much for Lederer, who unleashed a verbal tirade at the game’s officials, including experienced referee Shaun Evans, as they left the field.

Lederer was chairman of the Australian Professional Leagues, which controls the A-League until September last year, but remains a director.

Wanderers star Jorrit Hendrix leaves the field after being sent off on Sunday. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Despite Lederer’s high standing within the APL, the organisation would not comment on the matter when contacted on Monday by News Corp Australia.

Instead, an APL spokesman referred the Lederer incident to Football Australia, which is in charge of dealing with the competition’s disciplinary matters.

FA confirmed on Monday that it was “investigating the conduct of Wanderers officials and fans during and after” Sunday’s match.

“No further comments will be made at this time,” the FA statement said.

However, FA chief executive James Johnson is set to address the media on Tuesday on the “importance of match officials in our game and the need to for respect in light of the growing rate of abuse and misconduct at all levels”.

FA is also still awaiting the Wanderers to reply to a show cause notice stemming from Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan’s outburst following his team’s 4-3 loss to Macarthur FC.

Included in Rudan’s remarks was his questioning of the integrity of referee Adam Kersey.

The Wanderers reportedly have until Wednesday to respond to FA’s notice.

“My club is going to back me and fight it,” Rudan declared on Sunday.

“You get put into a corner, you have got a decision to make, that’s for everybody in life.

“I’m never going to back down for this football club, the fans and my players and staff.”

Originally published as A-League to let Football Australia deal with antics of Western Sydney Wanderers chairman