Football Federation Australia (FFA) says there has always been an appeals process for fans who feel they’ve been wrongly banned from attending A-League matches.

However, the governing body’s claims appear to be at odds with evidence tabled at a parliamentary inquiry earlier this month and with remarks from A-League head Damien de Bohun, who said it was a “deterrent” to potential troublemakers that they faced bans with no avenue to appeal.

Responding to a storm of controversy in the wake of News Corp Australia’s reports on Sunday that named and shamed 198 people, banned from A-League venues, FFA issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, explaining some of the processes surrounding spectator safety and behaviour and saying it did not hand out bans lightly.

• Rebecca Wilson ‘did a community service’: Alan Jones
• FFA demands an end to journo death threats
• Record profit for Victory rivals some AFL clubs
• A-League violence: ‘is this like terrorism in Paris?’

“Before issuing a Banned Notice, an FFA security committee reviews credible information provided by law enforcement, stadium security, FFA’s security consultants and clubs. This information includes CCTV, photos and other forms of evidence,” the statement read.

“The length of each ban reflects the seriousness of the conduct and the risk that it poses to the safety and welfare of our fans, and reinforces our message that we don’t tolerate anti-social behaviour.

“Since the inception of the Banning Process, it has always been the case that, if a banned person can prove that they did not engage in the relevant behaviour, the ban will not apply.

Damien de Bohun initially said banned fans had no right of appeal. Photo: AAP

“If a banned person can bring the evidence that proves this to FFA through their club, the ban will be lifted.”

But FFA’s statement contradicts a banned notice that was tabled by a Wanderers fan to the Senate’s Economic References Committee, as part of its inquiry into personal choice and community impacts.

The notice read: “Please be advised that Football Federation Australia (FFA) is not a government agency and, as such, the obligation to adhere to the rules of procedural fairness and natural justice does not apply to our organisation. For this reason, FFA will not consider any appeal.”

After the inquiry, de Bohun was quoted as saying: “It’s a general deterrent to those who cause trouble that they face long bans with no right of appeal.”

On Wednesday, the Wanderers became the first A-League side to publicly express their willingness to advocate on behalf of banned members.

Western Sydney CEO John Tsatsimas said any member with “compelling evidence” who proved they were banned incorrectly was welcome to approach the club, which would then take their case to FFA.

A-League fans have long held reservations over FFA’s security policy, with Western Sydney and Melbourne Victory’s main support groups threatening to walk out of this weekend’s fixtures mid-match to draw attention to their grievances.

-AAP