FA and NSW Police investigating Nazi salute at A-League match

Football Australia and NSW Police have launched investigations after a spectator was spotted on camera performing what appeared to be a Nazi salute at Saturday’s A-League derby between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.

In a video on social media, taken from Channel 10’s coverage, a man can be seen giving a middle-finger salute before raising his right hand at Allianz Stadium.

Sydney FC booked their finals spot with a 2-1 victory after a 97th-minute winner from Jaiden Kucharski.

Legislation passed through the NSW parliament in mid-2022 makes it illegal to perform a Nazi salute.

An FA spokesperson confirmed to this masthead it was aware of the incident and had launched an investigation. No timeline has been provided on how long it will take.

In a statement to this masthead, a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the incident was being looked into.

A man appears to give a Nazi salute at an A-League match on Saturday in Sydney. Credit: Channel 10

“Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command are investigating reports of a spectator making an offensive gesture at a sporting event held at Moore Park on Saturday,” read a statement.

“Police are urging anyone who may have information about this matter to contact Surry Hills Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

It is not the first time a soccer fan has been accused of performing a Nazi salute in Australia.

Earlier this month, three fans were charged by police for displaying a Nazi symbol in public without a reasonable excuse at the Australia Cup final between Sydney United 58 FC and Macarthur FC at CommBank Stadium in October 2022.

All three have pleaded not guilty.

One of the men was handed a lifetime ban from FA, meaning he cannot attend games sanctioned by the governing body, including all national team, A-League, NPL and Australia Cup fixtures.

FA chief executive James Johnson wrote an open letter saying he was “shocked and concerned” by some of the conduct that emerged from the 2022 cup final.

“What should have been a celebration of a tightly contested and excellent game of football has been marred by the actions of groups of a few people, which do not represent the values and expectations of our football community,” Johnson wrote at the time.

“Their actions have disrespected, hurt, and offended members of our football community.

“Finally, I want to thank the Australian football community for taking a stand and making it clear that they will not accept this kind of behaviour and that it has no place in our game.”

The Wanderers play their next match against Melbourne City FC on Saturday afternoon, while Sydney FC take on Macarthur later that day.

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