AT least two A-League supporters have successfully challenged Football Federation bans, it has emerged, after the governing body conceded it is prepared to review certain cases.

Amid mounting supporter anger over the banning process, which seen almost 200 individuals given bans from all football events from a few months to 20 years, FFA revealed that it would consider new evidence presented via A-League clubs in cases where supporters felt they had been wrongly blamed.

As the furore continued over the publication of the banned list in the Sunday Telegraph, FFA said on Thursday that it had “always been the case” that bans could be overturned, even though there is no formal - or independent - appeals process.

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

It’s understood that at least two supporters, one from Sydney FC, have been successful in producing evidence to challenge their ban, even though the majority of clubs in the competition appeared to be unaware that they could mount a case on behalf of a supporter.

In letters sent last year to subjects of banning orders, FFA had said that as it is not a government agency, “the obligation to adhere to the rules of procedural fairness and natural justice does not apply to our organisation. FFA will not consider any appeal”.

It comes after Western Sydney became the first club to say it would back supporters who could prove their ban was unjust, and would make their case to FFA. “Within the parameters of the system that is in place at FFA, if you feel you have been wrongly banned and have compelling evidence to support your claim please contact our office,” CEO John Tsatsimas said to the club’s members in a letter on Wednesday.

He also implored fans not to target individuals, after it emerged that death threats had been made against a journalist over the publication of the banned list.

FFA also issued more detail about its banning process on Thursday, insistent that each penalty was backed by hard evidence.

“FFA does not ban spectators lightly but, like any host venue including sporting stadiums and hotels, will refuse entry to persons where we are not satisfied that they will respect the safety and enjoyment of other patrons,” its statement said.

“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 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.”

Originally published as Fans successfully challenge FFA bans