NI’s Commonwealth boxing team captain in nightclub incident
THE captain of Northern Ireland’s Commonwealth Games boxing squad has been involved in an incident at a nightclub on the Gold Coast.
Queensland Police Service said an off-duty officer was deployed to a licensed venue in Surfers Paradise, and the allegation against Sean McComb was “not criminal in nature”.
Speaking on Radio Ulster, NI Commonwealth Games team chef de mission Robert McVeigh confirmed t he reports were about boxing team captain McComb.
“He was detained outside a nightclub in Surfers Paradise,” he said.
“He was released shortly afterwards to an unaccredited person for his own safety overnight.
“We have not interviewed the athlete. He has not returned to the village as yet, but we are certainly aware of reports that are out there on the media on the Gold Coast.
“It is something we cannot condone. It is something that
we have to apologise to the good people of the Gold Coast [for], who have invited us here. And it is very, very disappointing when something like this happens.”
Mr McVeigh said McComb had been in contact with other members of the team, and had apologised unofficially for his actions.
He said McComb would now be interviewed “to see what action will be taken as a result of this” and, when asked, did not rule out the boxer being sent home.
The statement from police reads: “The Queensland Police Service is aware of an incident at a licensed venue in Surfers Paradise overnight involving an off-duty officer deployed to the Gold Coast.
“The matter has been referred to Ethical Standards Command for assessment and investigation, however the allegation is not criminal in nature.
“The officer in question has been returned to the Brisbane Region.”
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council said: “‘Following an incident outside a bar in Surfers Paradise last night, Sean McComb was issued with a fine and a barring order which restricts his movements within designated areas of the Gold Coast.
“The NICGC continues to review all available evidence before deciding what, if any, sanctions may be applied.
“It should be noted that Sean was finished competing at the time of the incident and that no other team members were involved. The focus of the NICGC remains on supporting our athletes through to the end of the Games.”