The Head Coach of Hyundai A-League club Sydney FC Graham Arnold has been fined $5,000 after being found to have breached the FFA National Code of Conduct.
Arnold was asked by FFA to explain comments he made about refereeing in the post-match interview with Fox Sports and in the official post-match press conference after the Hyundai A-League Round 14 match between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets on 3 January 2015.
FFA has previously informed all Hyundai A-League Clubs that opinions expressed about an incident or decision from a Hyundai A-League match would ordinarily not be deemed to be a breach of the Code even if it is an opinion which disagrees with the decision.
However, FFA has also advised Hyundai A-League Clubs that comments may attract possible sanction under the Code where they are personal gratuitous comments directed more at the individual rather than an incident or decision.
After consideration of the submissions made by Arnold, FFA has determined that Arnold has breached clauses 2.1, 5.1(a) and 6.1(a) of the Code.
In determining the appropriate sanction, FFA took into account that Arnold;
- has sincerely apologised for his comments
- accepts that his comments were uncalled for and out of line
- has undertaken to review his behaviour when making comments to the media
As a result of Arnold’s admissions and undertakings, FFA has decided not to impose a suspension for participation in Hyundai A-League match/es in addition to the $5,000 fine.
Head of Hyundai A-League Damien de Bohun said the fine was a record amount imposed for such a breach.
“A-League coaches need to understand that they have important leadership roles in the game and that their words matter,” said de Bohun.
“We encourage coaches to share insights with the media and fans, it’s part of the job, but there’s a very clear line that should not be crossed.
“In relation to refereeing, comments about a decision or incident are allowed, but making personal, gratuitous and generalised assertions about the people making the calls are out of order.
“I’m satisfied that Graham Arnold now understands this point and has learned a lesson.”
Sydney FC and Arnold have informed FFA that the determination will not be appealed.