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What made Ali Abbas snap?

The alleged reason behind Ali Abbas's aggressive reaction during the A-League Sydney derby last weekend has been revealed.

Fairfax is reporting Abbas told Sydney FC officials he was called an "(expletive) Arab, Muslim, (expletive)" by Western Sydney Wanderers striker Brendon Santalab.

Abbas, who was born in Iraq and became an Australian citizen in 2012, lodged an official complaint with Football Federation Australia on Monday.

Santalab has denied making the comment and will return to Sydney on Friday after his side's historic Asian Champions League victory in China midweek.

The FFA confirmed on Thursday that Santalab and the Wanderers have until Monday to respond to the complaint.

"Football Federation Australia (FFA) advises that the investigation into an alleged incident arising in the match between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers is ongoing," a statement read.

"As part of this process, following receipt of a formal complaint from Sydney FC, FFA has provided details of the complaint to the Western Sydney Wanderers and provided the player the opportunity to respond by Monday 17 March."

If Santalab continues to deny the allegations, FFA has said it may include attempts at mediation or refer the matter straight to a tribunal.

Abbas and Santalab clash at Allianz Stadium. Source: Getty
Abbas and Santalab clash at Allianz Stadium. Source: Getty

If it goes to a full hearing, witnesses may be called and possibly include Sydney FC striker Corey Gameriro, who tweeted after the game that he was "disgusted to what I heard tonight #SAYNOTORACISM".

Fairfax is reporting there is no footage or audio of the incident.

In an interview immediately after last Saturday night's match, Abbas was adamant he had been racially abused.

"I come from a different country, I respect everyone here - I should get it back," he told Fox Sports.

"If I don't get it back, I'm going to attack. That's what happened. If people attack religion, if people attack culture - I'm against that. We need to stop that."

An infuriated Abbas even clashed with his own coach, Frank Farina. Source: Getty
An infuriated Abbas even clashed with his own coach, Frank Farina. Source: Getty

On Wednesday, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina said the matter would have been dropped if Abbas had received an apology.

"That situation could have been quashed straight away," Farina said.

"Ali Abbas is a very honest, reliable, loyal person and for him to react that way, I have not seen him react that way since I've been at the club.

"So obviously the alleged incident, that something was said, I believe Ali unequivocally.

"But the whole situation could have been finished. Knowing Ali really well, if it had been said and if the person that said it had apologised it would be over.

"There would be no investigation, there'd be no further talks in the media about it. I know that from Ali that he would have certainly finished it right there."

A fired up Abbas celebrates his penalty that secured a 3-1 win. Source: Getty
A fired up Abbas celebrates his penalty that secured a 3-1 win. Source: Getty