Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer has accused NSW Police of treating the club’s supporters unfairly, saying their handling of fans had reached a tipping point.
In a message to members and supporters, Lederer said the treatment of fans during the opening weeks of the season had been “totally unacceptable” and declared: “Enough is enough.”
He said the club’s active supporters’ group, the Red and Black Bloc (RBB), was an integral part of the Wanderers and that the club would continue to support its positive contribution to football.
Lederer alleged that hundreds of supporters had been held outside the Sydney Derby for up to 30 minutes, while concession arrangements had also been subject to what he described as “moving goalposts”.
He said that, during the weekend, as many as 20 Public Order and Riot Squad officers had at times been positioned behind the Wanderers’ supporter bays in Campbelltown.
According to Lederer, the police presence had contributed to a feeling of intimidation among the families who made up much of the club’s support. He said such treatment was neither reasonable nor proportionate, and questioned the need for Riot Squad officers at football matches.
“Our supporters should never be made to feel like second-class citizens simply because they choose to support a football club,” he said. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal treatment and common sense.”
Lederer stressed that the Wanderers did not condone anti-social behaviour and said individuals who broke the rules should be held accountable. But he added that the actions of individuals should not define an entire fan base.
The chairman said supporters had recently chosen to remain silent for 20 minutes as a protest. He argued that the drums, banners, singing, colour and passion associated with active support were central to the identity of the club rather than inconveniences to be controlled.
Lederer said the Wanderers had spent more than a decade working with NSW Police, stadium authorities and the A-Leagues to address longstanding issues. The club would now continue to seek answers and press for what he called fair, consistent and respectful treatment of its members and fans.
