Diner abuses Spencer
AUCKLAND: A foulmouthed Auckland diner has abused British and Irish Lions tour manager and former England rugby captain John Spencer in what Lions management are labelling ‘‘a disappointing incident’’.
Spencer was dining with his wife and a friend at the Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar on Wednesday when a drunk man became abusive.
The incident happened after a request for a photo was made to Spencer’s table and escalated when the Kiwi pushed 69yearold Spencer, who responded by pushing him away and asking to be left alone, the UK’s Daily Mail reported.
When asked yesterday about the incident, Lions assistant coach Rob Howley said the New Zealand public had embraced them and they had otherwise enjoyed ‘‘unbelievable hospitality’’.
‘‘It’s a disappointing incident . . . unfortunately, in sport there’s always a minority . . . Yes, there’s been banter between Kiwi supporters and our supporters — that’s par for the course.
‘‘It’s an isolated incident.’’
Depot Eatery told NZ Newswire it had no comment to make.
Spencer toured New Zealand as part of the 1971 Lions squad. — NZN