'Deplorable actions': Rugby Australia hands lifetime ban to fan
UPDATE: A man who allegedly urinated from the roof of the Sydney Cricket Ground’s O’Reilly Stand has been banned for life from Rugby Australia (RA) events.
The patron was filmed in the act after climbing to the vantage point during the second half of Saturday’s Test between Australia and England.
He was arrested and charged by NSW Police with behaving in an offensive manner in/near a public place and climbing on buildings on scheduled lands without approval and issued a two-year ban by the SCG.
RA chief executive Andy Marinos went a step further on Monday though, slamming the patron’s behaviour on a night when victorious England coach Eddie Jones was also called a “traitor” by a disgruntled Wallabies fan.
“Rugby Australia is disappointed with the reported incidents within the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Third Test of the Wallabies’ series with England,” Marinos said.
“The deplorable actions of the alleged intruder that made his way to the roof of the grandstand were disgraceful and dangerous.”
#ICYMI: Jones was at the centre of at least two confrontations with fans after being called a “traitor” at Saturday’s 21-17 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground. #England #Australia #Wallabies https://t.co/KZIHjjd47E
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 18, 2022
Jones, an Australian and former Wallabies coach, fired back at the punter on hearing his slur in a moment caught on camera that went viral.
“The offensive remarks made by spectators in the Members’ areas towards England staff were unacceptable – and not representative of the values of rugby,” Marinos said.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour, and we are working with Venues NSW on appropriate sanctions for these individuals.
“Rugby prides itself on values of respect and integrity – as seen in the players of both teams after the final whistle of a hard-fought series at the SCG on Saturday night.
“It is our expectation that spectators adhere to these values of respect and integrity when attending rugby matches and, we would hope, in society in general.
“Please, cheer for your team with all that you have. But please, always show respect for others.”
