http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/wor ... 5882038199The FFA has condemned the boorishness of Australian fans who peppered Royal Bakofeng Stadium with beer bottles during the Socceroos' controversial 1-1 draw with Ghana.
In a major embarrasment that some supporters fear will jeopardise our $45 million 2022 World Cup bid, two spearate volleys of about a dozen bottles were hurled on the pitch in protest at referee Roberto Rosetti's dubious calls.
There was also a physical altercation between two Australian males immediately after full-time, as well as reports of racial taunting toward Ghanian supporters.
The majority of projectiles were launched by a section of green and gold-clad fans in the upper western tier, with some hitting spectators below and another narrowly missing a ballboy.
The incident was the first of its kind at this tournament, leaving the majority of Australians appalled at the impression it might leave upon the rest of the world.
"We don't condone that sort of behaviour at any stage - no matter how frustrating the game may be," FFA spokesman Rod Allen said.
"We would urge all fans to be on their best behaviour. The FFA has worked very hard to stamp out anti-social behaviour and we'd expect our fans to do the right thing when travelling overseas.
"It's very unusual behaviour for Australian fans and we hope it would be a one-off."
David Gilbert, a doctor from Melbourne, described the scenes as "disgraceful".
"It was terrible, absolutely disgraceful behaviour and it made me ashamed to be honest," Mr Gilbert said. "I was embarrassed that people would throw full beers that could injure others."
Female fan Penny McElhinney from Sydney was also left red-faced.
"There was a mother who had to shield her child right in front of me," Ms McElhinney said.
"It was disgraceful because we're on show to the rest of the world and we're trying to have this tournament hosted in Australia."
But another supporter, Matt Hooper, sympathised with the extreme frustration that led to the bottles being thrown.
"We were seated in the same area as the bottles were being thrown, and there was plenty of angry people," the Brisbane 23-year-old said.
"I can sort of understand why it happened, although it's not a great look.
"I'm here with eight mates and most of them are rugby league fans that we convinced to come to Africa and support the Socceroos. That referee let the Australian public down.
"It's no wonder people acted like that, because how's the Australian public meant to get behind football when we keep copping decisions like that."
News Ltd reporters also witnessed a disagreement between two Australian men just after the final whistle, which threatened to turn nasty until calmer heads prevailed.
Another supporter, who did not wish to be named, alleged that Ghanian fans were called "black c...." by a group of Australians while celebrating the Socceroos' first goal of the tournament.
Idiots...
