Rugby Australia have accused a fan of ‘deplorable’ behaviour and banned him for life after climbing up the big screen and allegedly urinating from the roof of the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground during Saturday’s third Test against England.
The rogue supporter made his way to the roof of the Bill O’Reilly stand during the second half of the series decider, which England clinched with a 21-17 win. The fan was charged by police after the match and it was announced on Monday that Rugby Australia had given him a lifetime ban.
The fan was arrested by NSW Police as England claimed the Ella-Mobbs Cup with a 2-1 series victory thanks to a terrific defensive performance from Eddie Jones’ side. However, many of the post-match comments surrounded the fan who allegedly climbed the iconic SCG screen and leapt across to the roof of the O’Reilly Stand.
In a statement, RA chief executive Andy Marinos said: “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.
“The deplorable actions of the alleged intruder that made his way to the roof of the grandstand were disgraceful and dangerous. This individual has been issued with a life ban from Rugby Australia events – and we will continue to support the authorities in their handling of the matter.”
RA also criticised the treatment of England head coach Jones after the Australian was subject to abuse by crowd members. Footage of two incidents surfaced after the match, with one showing a supporter - who is holding a beer - being urged to spray Jones before pointing at the former Australia head coach and labelling him a ‘traitor’.
Jones will spend next week in Melbourne after extending his personal stay while the rest of the team and the staff flew home on Sunday. RA condemned the actions of Australian supporters after Jones had hinted he suffered similar abuse from Down Under fans after England won the second Test in Brisbane.
“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.”
