Not sure how much of this CFC press release will make it into the Canberra Times, so is the full text. You will note that the CEO Capital Football forwarded this press release to the NPL, having previously given permission for CFC to make it available to the Canberra Times. Can't say fairer than that.
The CFC press release is an interesting document - most instructive! Just not sure it indicates that CFC have come to grips with their situation. They are correct to say that it was a Capital Football event, a fact which I am certain has not escaped the CEO and Board of Capital Football. Just not sure that offers much comfort for CFC going forward. This is starting to get very personal, a fact that I have observed in a number of the comments to this blog that I have not posted, because they are little more gratuitous ignorant personal vilification. That sort of comment serves no purpose. You will note that the Croatian "ethnic" card seems to be played in the press release. An outrageous suggestion and one that might perhaps draw further attention. CFC's seeming lack of willingness to acknowledge full responsibility for their supporter behavior and the place it has taken them now, is a continuing and serious point of difference between CFC and Capital Football.
At some point Capital Football Board and CEO must meet with the CFC Board (or reps from both) and finalize this matter. From comments made previously by the CEO Capital Football that may this coming Monday.
As before, we will see what unfolds.
Canberra FC Response
The Premier League grand final held on 17 September 2011 between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic was an outstanding success. All but very few of the crowd conducted themselves in an exemplary way and it is from a crowd of over 2000 at a community sports event that all participants can learn. The club and social media, including the Canberra Times website, have received effusive accolades about the success of the event.
Canberra FC seeks to correct the great number of allegations made against it in recent press and radio interviews. Those reports have been made only by Capital Football.
To be very clear the issue being raised are the verbal abuse of an official (hours before the main game) and flares being released during the game. None of these incidents are condoned by Canberra FC. The participants in the abuse were wearing shirts of other clubs. The flares ought to have been found in bags by Capital Football organized inspectors. There was no violence in the crowd, there was no confrontation between the supporters, there were no police arrests despite a sun seeking streaker
No invitation was received from Capital Football to discuss any issues until after 5pm on Thursday 22 September. It was only through the press and radio commencing on Wednesday 21 September did Canberra FC actually knew of any official investigation was being undertaken.
The facts of the day have not been made clear by Capital Football who should share in any blame. On 15 September 2011 board of Canberra FC wrote to Capital football advising that some social media site showed some intended disturbances planned at the game. The club requested that, as it was a Capital Football sanctioned event, that Capital Football ensures that there was sufficient. security including police presence. Canberra FC has no authority to inspect private bags or visitors. Capital Football requested four vested officials be provided by the club “to look after their own spectators thus avoiding any confrontation between the clubs”. That was successfully undertaken by both finalist clubs.
The two security guards provided by Capital Football did not arrive until well after the commencement of the earlier scheduled U18 Premier League final. At no time did Capital Football station any security at the gates of the grounds to inspect bags of spectators upon entry to the ground.
It appears that the CEO of Capital Football is taking exception to the nationality of some of the founding members of Canberra FC and the vilification of the Croatian community cannot be tolerated in any form. Canberra FC has a proud history of involving and welcoming people from every walk of life. As a community organistation is has contributed to the spirit and strength of football in Canberra. Australian international footballers have emerged from the club and the club hopes that within its junior ranks that several other Australian representative will emerge.
The club has now received, after the announcements in the press, notifications of breaches of the Capital Football Men’s League Rules. Capital football seeks to impose pecuniary and arbitrary fines totaling $8,500, impose a monetary bond of $10,000 and deduct six championship points from Canberra FC in the next competition. Canberra FC will appeal those fines, bonds and sanctions.
The alleged verbal abuse of Ms Reid, or any other person, is regrettable and if Canberra FC is at all responsible it unequivocally apologises. The club will investigate the identity and actions of 6 identified people. At this time Canberra FC has not had an opportunity to review the situation as it only received those names from Capital Football on Thursday afternoon.
In view of what was a very successful community football event, the actions of Capital Football have brought unprecedented media attention to itself, has handled the entire review poorly and has not taken into account the concerns of ground roots Canberra football.
Canberra FC will continue to work with Capital Football to bring football to the whole of the Canberra community.
23 September 2011
Authorised by Canberra FC