Guard blunder not sacking offence, says CT

THE security guard who crossed the boundary at Blundstone Arena in an attempt to break up a scuffle during the AFL game between North Melbourne and the GWS Giants should not lose his job, says Cricket Tasmania.

Late in the game, a scuffle broke out between Kangaroos captain Jack Ziebell and Giants veteran Heath Shaw close to the boundary near the interchange area. The security guard made his way onto the field to defuse the situation.

He was stopped by the emergency umpire and told to leave the ground.

Venue operator Cricket Tasmania confirmed the security company, Elite Protective Services, was being used for the first time for AFL games in Hobart after a successful season providing security for the Big Bash League.

CT chief executive Nick Cummins said he became aware of the incident postmatch and was shocked.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before, so it is an isolated incident,” Cummins said.

“EPS and ourselves believe our security is suitably trained.

“Obviously the behaviour of the security guard would suggest there needs to be more training and EPS have undertaken to hold more training in advance of the next game here at Blundstone Arena.

“I don’t know whether it is his first game but he is a casual security guard, he’s not full time.” EPS did not comment. Former Melbourne great Garry Lyon was appalled at the guard’s actions when speaking on Fox Footy’s On The Couch.

“That fella has just made the worst decision … That’s so laughable that you can’t defend it, but they are supposed to be trained.”

Triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown added: “It’s unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it before. That is absolutely ridiculous.”

It comes after a furore at Marvel Stadium about security guards intimidating fans at the venue, but Cummins said the two were separate issues.

Cummins said CT had no issue with the security company and would continue to contract them for AFL and BBL matches.

“In the end something nearly happened, it didn’t happen … but I don’t think he’ll lose his job over it and I don’t think he should,” Cummins said.

“It just reiterates the importance of training and being vigilant and ensuring everyone knows what their role is.”