Football Australia has officially dismissed the explosive racial abuse allegation made by Brisbane Roar striker Justin Vidic against Melbourne City rival Medin Memeti. The governing body announced on Friday that no disciplinary action would be taken against the 18-year-old Memeti following a thorough investigation into the incident.
Investigation Finds Insufficient Evidence
The controversy stemmed from an A-League match between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City at AAMI Park on January 6. Vidic, who is of Serbian descent, alleged that Memeti, who has Albanian heritage, called him a 'gypsy' during the heated encounter. This term is widely understood to be considered an ethnic slur against individuals of Balkan heritage.
In a formal statement, Football Australia explained its decision, stating: 'Based on the withdrawal of some initial claims and no additional witness accounts or material to support the allegations, there was insufficient evidence to establish a breach of the national code of conduct and ethics.'
Club Response and Dispute
While Brisbane Roar have publicly accepted Football Australia's final ruling, the club has raised questions about one specific aspect of the announcement. A club spokesman has disputed FA's declaration that some 'initial claims' had been withdrawn, suggesting a potential discrepancy in the investigative process.
The dismissal brings a formal conclusion to a case that had captured significant attention within Australian football circles, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing allegations of discriminatory behaviour on the pitch.
Sydney Derby Coaches Set Friendship Aside
In other A-League news, attention turns to the highly anticipated Sydney derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. The match will see two long-standing friends, coaches Ufuk Talay and Gary Van Egmond, temporarily set aside their personal relationship for ninety minutes of competitive football.
The pair share a rich history, having played together at the famous National Soccer League outfit Marconi Stallions, where they won a championship title together back in 1993. However, with crucial derby bragging rights at stake, both coaches have made it clear that friendship will take a back seat once the match begins.
White Line Fever Takes Over
'I think we all have white line fever, we want to win games,' Talay stated in the build-up to the clash. 'We've known each other for a long time...but once the whistle goes, our friendship ends.'
Sydney FC approach the derby looking to bounce back from disappointing recent form, having lost their last two matches. This includes a surprising 4-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory on Australia Day. There is positive news for the Sky Blues, however, with talisman Joe Lolley tipped to return from injury, potentially providing a significant boost to their attacking options.
Tickets for the Sydney derby remain available for purchase online, with kick-off scheduled for 7:35pm AEDT at Allianz Stadium. The match promises to deliver another chapter in one of Australian football's most intense and watched rivalries.
