David Gallop: Fans “use your energy in a positive way”

David Gallop: Fans “use your energy in a positive way”

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David Gallop has spoken for the first time on a weekend of controversy in the A-League, after the Daily Telegraph’s article publishing the confidential infomation of 198 ‘banned’ A-League fans. 

The now infamous article has resulted in a host of anti-football propaganda to surface in the media, to which Gallop responded, “don’t worry about the critics.”

Returning from a football trip in India, Gallop echoed Damien De Bohun’s quotes on Shootout on Sunday, shedding no light into how the confidential document was leaked or coming to the defence of the fans.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour at A-League matches,” he said.

“The leaking and publication of a highly sensitive and confidential document was wrong and we continue to look into how that happened.”

“The appeals process needs some fine tuning.”

Speaking directly to the fans, Gallop failed to acknowledge why there were widespread protests over the weekend and reitterated the point that bans are only given with “clear evidence.”

“To the fans, use your energy in a positive way… Let’s celebrate that wonderful atmosphere,” he said.

“Flares are dangerous. You are putting the people around you at risk of injury if you let off a flare. Many of this 198 relate to that.”

“There’s always been the ability that if you’ve got clear evidence a mistake has been made, we’ll look at it. We’ll fine tune that.”

“We wish the 198 number was zero. We don’t ban people trivially. If there’s proof that you did not engage in anti-social behaviour, then of course the ban will be overturned.”

Gallop also said the FFA would be working with key stakeholders throughout the week, but seemed to forget the game’s number one stakeholder, the fans.

“We will look to fine-tune the appeals process [relating to those banned].”

“We have got meetings with fan groups and also the police. We always look for an appropriate security plan.”

“(Boycotts) would be disappointing to all of us, including the 11 guys on the pitch they are supporting.”

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