Dear Wanderers Members and Fans,
Over the opening weeks of this season, I have been immensely proud of the unwavering support shown by our Members, the Red and Black Bloc (RBB) and our wider fan base in challenging circumstances. You have continued to stand by the Wanderers, and I want to personally thank you for your support.
That loyalty deserves to be met with the same respect in return.
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.
The treatment of our Members and fans has been totally unacceptable. Enough is enough.
The RBB are an integral part of our club which we are extremely proud of. That will never change, and we will continue to stand behind the positive contribution they make to the Wanderers and football in this country.
Our supporters should never be made to feel like second-class citizens simply because they choose to support a football club.
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal treatment and common sense.
For too long, our supporters have faced excessive policing, policing that you as members and fans pay for. 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.
Let me be clear that we do not condone anti-social behaviour from any individual. Those who do the wrong thing must be held accountable. But the actions of individuals should never define an entire fan base. The overwhelming majority of our supporters are everyday people who simply want to enjoy football and passionately support their team. We will never allow anyone to take that away from them.
We recognise and respect the responsibility of NSW Police, stadium authorities and the A-Leagues to ensure everyone’s safety. But that responsibility must be exercised fairly, consistently and with respect for those attending our matches.
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.
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.
Most recently, our active supporters chose silence to make their voices heard. For 20 minutes, the absence of their voices spoke volumes.
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.
As Chairman, I have a responsibility to protect the future of the Western Sydney Wanderers. That means standing up for the people who give this club life.
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.
To every Member, active supporter and fan who proudly wears the Red and Black, thank you.
You have never stopped standing up for this club. And as your Chairman, I want you to know that we will never stop standing up for you.
Paul Lederer
Chairman
Western Sydney Wanderers FC
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