Australia Cup final spectator handed lifetime ban for Nazi salute

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - A spectator was given a lifetime ban for conducting a Nazi salute during the Australia Cup final on the weekend, the country's football body said on Wednesday.

"The spectator in question has today been issued with a lifetime ban from attending Football Australia-sanctioned football matches including all NPL, A-Leagues, Australia Cup, and National Team matches," Football Australia said in a statement, adding that the ban is "effective immediately."

" The conduct in question relates to a fascist salute or similar gesture conducted during the match and captured on the host broadcast. Such conduct is a breach of the Australia Cup Terms of Admission and Football Australia’s Spectator Code of Behaviour," it added.

Football Australia said it adopted "a zero-tolerance policy to disrespectful and offensive behaviour."

The Australian football association earlier condemned the Hitler salute made by fans in Saturday's final, and eight individuals were evicted during the match, which saw Macarthur FC win 2-0 against Sydney United 58 at the CommBank Stadium.