Western Sydney Wanderers chair Paul Lederer has hit out at what he has said is "totally unacceptable" policing of his club's supporters, labelling it excessive and declaring that "enough is enough."
In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Lederer, one of the most influential figures in Australian football and a former chair of the A-League administrators, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), said that Wanderers fans were being treated as "second-class citizens."
It came just days after Western Sydney active supporter group the Red and Black Bloc (RBB) staged a silent protest across the opening 20 minutes of A-League Men draw with local foes Macarthur FC, following what the group said were directions from NSW police to surrender drums, megaphones and banners two hours before the fixture.
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"Since the beginning of the season, we have witnessed repeated issues surrounding the treatment of our supporters. The events of this weekend have brought those frustrations to a tipping point," said Lederer.
"We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal treatment and common sense."
The RBB's protests represented the latest in a string of incidents in which they and other A-League supporter groups have alleged heavy-handed and inequitable treatment by authorities, notably around derby fixtures, as well as repeated failures to recognise and facilitate the unique aspects of footballing terrace culture.
"For too long, our supporters have faced excessive policing, policing that you as members and fans pay for," said Lederer.
"Recent examples of this include hundreds of fans being withheld from entering the Sydney Derby for up to 30 minutes, the moving goalposts around concession items, and over the weekend, up to 20 Public Order and Riot Squad officers were positioned at times behind our supporter bays in Campbelltown.
"This only adds to the feeling of intimidation experienced by the families that largely make up our supporter base.
"This level of treatment is neither reasonable nor proportionate, and there is no justification for a Riot Squad presence at our football matches."
The RBB received the backing of opposition coach Sasa Ognenovski following the scoreless draw at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, with the 22-time former Socceroos defender saying, "I don't know any other any other sport in Australia that's policed as much."
As part of their protest, the RBB unveiled banners reading "Stand up for fans" and "Not police demands" in a message to the APL, which they and other groups have accused of being happy to use active support in the marketing efforts, without providing meaningful support against alleged over-policing.
"More than a decade of active fans in this country being treated like criminals for wanting to create atmosphere," the RBB said in a social media post. "A decade of being searched, surveilled, having our personal property seized, and being given conditions that no other sports fans in this country would ever have to deal with."
In his statement, Lederer condemned anti-social behaviour and recognised the need for safety, but rejected fans being the subject of collective punishment, saying that the "overwhelming majority" of supporters were doing the right thing at games.
"For over a decade, we have worked in good faith with the relevant authorities, investing significant time in constructive dialogue and building relationships to address longstanding challenges," Lederer said.
"But our patience and willingness to work collaboratively should never be mistaken for acceptance. Our members and fans have waited long enough, and deserve to be treated with common sense and the utmost respect.
"The drums, the banners, the singing, the colour and the passion are not inconveniences to be managed. They are the heartbeat of our club and part of what makes our game extraordinary.
"I will not accept our Members and fans being treated as though their passion makes them any less deserving of respect. Neither will this club. We will continue to raise our concerns directly with NSW Police, the A-Leagues and relevant stakeholders, seek clear answers and push for fair, consistent and respectful treatment."
The APL was approached for comment.