12 Dec 2015

FFA changes banned fans appeals process

1:11 pm on 12 December 2015

Football Federation Australia has agreed to an appeals process for any fans who have been banned.

Phoenix player Thomas Doyle.

Phoenix player Thomas Doyle. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The move comes after FFA CEO David Gallop met with representatives from all of the 10 A-League clubs supporters groups in Sydney.

It follows the boycott of games after the identities of 198 banned fans were leaked to the media.

A-League fans banned from stadiums will be able to view evidence against them in Football Federation Australia's reviewed appeals policy, chief executive David Gallop has announced.

Instead of a "ban" notice, fans will now be issued with an "intention to ban" notice and will be allowed to see the evidence against them, a crucial issue at the heart of fan discontent.

That includes the 198 people already banned, if the evidence against them still exists.

If the ban is maintained, they will have an opportunity to see an independent panel at a later date.

Gallop described the meeting - which lasted nearly four hours - as productive.

He appealed to football fans to return to the game.

"We have made significant progress tonight in dealing with the grievances of the active fan groups. We want to see the terraces full again this weekend," Gallop said.

- AAP

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