WHEN Western Sydney Wanderers player Mitch Nichols copped a $1000 fine for his two-finger salute to Brisbane Roar during the A-League semi finals, a GoFundMe campaign was created to support him.

Nermin Bajric started the campaign ‘Nickels for Nichols’ in response to the “unjustified penalty from the FFA”.

But instead of accepting the money to fund his fine, Nichols asked that the funds go to the Marc Arcuri Foundation to help purchase much-needed defibrillators for local clubs.

The $1000 target was reached within eight hours and donations can still be made to help them reach a target of $2000.

“You simply have to commend the decision. WSW was created with a focus on community and Mitch’s gesture embodies that,” Mr Bajric said.

media_camera Mitch Nichols gestures to the Roar supporters as he celebrates victory during the A-League Semi Final match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Brisbane Roar at Pirtek Stadium on April 24. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The boys behind the Marc Arcuri Foundation, Alex Cauchi and Robby Mansour, were ecstatic to hear of Nichols’ grand gesture.

“This is the first time Wanderers players have directly supported the Foundation but we’ve had some very positive discussions with the club and I think they’re pretty keen to support us moving forward,” Mr Cauchi said.

“The Red and Black Bloc donated more than $2500 to us last year and they put a team in the Cup which ended up making it to the final.

“As a passionate Wanderers supporter myself, I can say that the sense of community among the fans is really strong and in my opinion unrivalled at any other sporting club in Sydney.”

The Foundation was created in memory of 15-year-old Marc Arcuri of Austral, Mr Mansour’s cousin, who died after suffering a suspected heart attack in the middle of a soccer game in 2014.

So far the Foundation has purchased 24 defibrillators needed to help restore the heart’s normal pumping rhythm.

media_camera The co-directors, with the support of the community, have purchased 24 defibrillators. Photo: Sam Ruttyn

Each year sudden cardiac arrest strikes approximately 30,000 people in Australia and fewer than 5 per cent survive, often because the ambulance service cannot reach them in time. It took half an hour for an ambulance to reach Marc.

Mr Cauchi said that’s where defibrillators could help save lives.

“The first Cup in 2014 was contested by 12 teams and raised $6500, enough to purchase three defibrillators. The second tournament attracted 32 teams and raised $40,000, enough to purchase 21 defibrillators.”

“We’re in the planning stage for the 2016 Cup and we’re expecting it to be bigger and better yet again.”

To show your support and for tournament details in October visit facebook.com/MarcArcuriCup.