Facebook: Redandblackbloc.net
The Red and Black Bloc (RBB) would like to formally announce that it will be staging a 20-minute silent protest from the beginning of the Western Sydney Wanderers match against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, March 10.
The protest is a direct response to the unjust bans issued to 20 RBB members, as well as those given to other supporters throughout the A-League. It is designed to show respect to those who have dedicated a plethora of time, money, and funds in order to make RBB what it is today.
Specifically, the protest aims to combat:
-All 20 bans (of five years) issued despite insufficient evidence.
-All 20 bans issued for alleged and unproven participation in incidents outside FFA sanctions.
-The lack of an appeal system.
-The FFA’s ongoing refusal to provide evidence requested by those who were banned.
-The FFA’s ongoing refusal to take on board witness statements that prove the innocence of the accused individuals who have been banned.
-The overwhelming presence of police within (beside, and in front of) active support bays which have been deployed on the basis of assumptions, and particularly the excessive weaponry being carried into the sections.
-The recording of RBB outside FFA sanctions without prior consent.
Examples include:
-Hatamoto gathering dossiers on “potential trouble-makers” which has led to the invasion of privacy of innocent fans (to the extent of monitoring fan movements and behaviours by plain-clothed security both locally and interstate) and, on instance, the intentional provocation of incidents.
As such, the protest aims for the following outcomes:
-Royal Exhibition Hotel (REH) and W-League related bans to be revoked.
-Appeal system (with judiciary) to be put in place in order to create visibility and transparency regarding allegations and the banning process; this includes all evidence being openly and willingly presented by the FFA to the accused parties, the RBB and any representatives.
-A system similar to a union to be put in place for supporters to be protected and made aware of their rights.
The decision to protest is one that has been discussed in extensive depth. After spending much of the season attempting to contact FFA and resolve these bans, including speaking with A-League boss, Damien DeBohun at the Football Supporter Forum, the RBB has been stonewalled at every turn.
Please note: this protest is in no way a stand against the players and coaches of the Western Sydney Wanderers for who the RBB has nothing short of utmost respect. It saddens us to know this protest is absolutely necessary, but we cannot support the team if we are not present on the basis of unjust
decisions made by a business, the FFA.
You, the players and coaches, know the RBB is entirely dedicated to being the 12th player each week. You know who we sing for, and we will do so, as we do each week, following the conclusion of the protest.
The RBB pays its respect to the North Terrace (and its sub-groups), which held a similar protest on Sunday, March 3, as a result of unfair treatment of active supporter of Melbourne Victory.
RBB asks all supporters to join the initiative. Those who will be situated in the RBB and northern end of Parramatta Stadium are asked to follow the lead of capos who will coordinate the protest on game day. Those who are not in said bays are also encouraged to participate.
A unified response is required.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/Redandblackblocnet/posts/349613751814162
