Chef offside over soccer shove
CELEBRITY chef George Calombaris is under police investigation for shoving a rival soccer fan after alleged taunts about his family.
Calombaris said he was provoked by insults about his mother during a heated exchange at the A-League grand final in Sydney. The Master
Chef judge and Melbourne Victory fan was seen in a video angrily approaching a man in the crowd and shoving him.
He expressed regret over his actions in a statement yesterday, but NSW Police confirmed they were investigating the matter.
“A 19-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a 38year-old man after a football game,” a spokeswoman said.
Footage only revealed comments such as “pay your staff” and “you dodgy b......” being directed at Calombaris, after he walked on to the ground following’s Victory’s defeat.
“I am really disappointed with what occurred last night,” Calombaris said. “I was genuinely shocked when postmatch football banter turned into personal abuse about my family. I regret the way in which I reacted.”
A Ten spokeswoman said Calombaris had its backing.
“He ... has taken responsibility ... and has the support of Network Ten.”