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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Ban for second fascist-salute soccer fan

A second Sydney United 58 fan has been banned by Football Australia for making a fascist salute. (Jeremy Ng/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

A second Sydney United 58 fan caught performing "a fascist salute or similar gesture" during the Australia Cup final has been been hit with a lifetime ban by Football Australia.

NPL NSW side United - a former National Soccer League powerhouse - were the first second-tier outfit to reach the knockout competition's decider.

But their achievement was overshadowed by the anti-social behaviour of some of their supporters as they went down 2-0 to Macarthur FC last Saturday night.

It included Nazi salutes, a group of fans booing through the Welcome to Country, and the chanting of songs with fascist links.

FA banned one fan for life on Wednesday and concluded an investigation into a second fan on Friday, resulting in the same penalty.

Both fans are now banned from attending any matches sanctioned by FA, including NPL, A-Leagues, Australia Cup and national team matches.

"The ban is effective immediately," the governing body said in a statement.

"As with the first ban issued by Football Australia on Wednesday, the conduct in question relates to a fascist salute or similar gesture conducted during the match and captured on the host broadcast."

FA also expects to receive submissions from United on Friday in respect to a show-cause notice issued because of crowd behaviour during the Cup final.

Former Socceroos defender Tony Popovic, who made a name for himself with the club previously known as Sydney Croatia during the 1990s, was disappointed some fans had tainted his old side's appearance in the Australia Cup final.

"It's a shame because it was a wonderful game, a wonderful occasion," now-Melbourne Victory coach Popovic told reporters on Friday.

"A fantastic football club had an opportunity to play in a final and hopefully next time that happens we can just talk about the great colour and passion and noise that a football club from the NPL can bring."

There could be further penalties to come, with FA continuing to review anti-social behaviour at the Cup final with the clubs and law enforcement.

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