The A-League has been accused of undermining social cohesion after banning fans from wearing jerseys of nations 'currently involved in major conflicts' during this week's multicultural round. The Western Sydney Wanderers posted guidelines on Thursday, citing terms from the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Venues NSW, prohibiting attire that 'may cause offence or incite tension'.
The club's announcement for Friday's double header at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta specified that shirts of nations involved in major conflicts were banned. The APL's terms of admission bar materials displaying 'offensive or inappropriate content' that could 'vilify a person, cause offence or incite hatred or violence'. Venues NSW's rules prohibit flags or banners with 'offensive, discriminatory, political or intimidating' content.
APL CEO Steve Rosich stated that the policy allows national team flags and jerseys generally, but grants discretion to stadium staff to request certain items be cloaked 'based on local and international context and climate'. Tim Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, said the APL should be 'ashamed', arguing the vague policy cuts around legitimate political communication and goes against football's tradition of speaking up against oppression.
The move follows an incident last month where a teenager wearing a jersey with the Palestinian flag was refused entry to a match at Sydney's Allianz Stadium. Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, called the policy 'anti-Palestinian racism', stating Palestinians are told they are welcome only if they are 'silent, invisible and prepared to leave their identity at the gate'.
The Wanderers describe the multicultural round as a celebration of diversity, with Western Sydney being one of the most diverse regions in Australia. The club says it aims to ensure fans from all backgrounds feel welcomed and represented. The APL and Venues NSW were asked for clarity on which nations fall under the 'major conflict' definition but did not respond.
