Spencer shoved by ‘lout’

38

Played

Points For Against

Tries For Against LIONS tour manager John Spencer was shoved and abused by a drunk patron while out for dinner in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

Spencer was approached for a photograph by an inebriated New Zealander while out for dinner with his wife and a family friend at the Depot restaurant on Wednesday. When the former England captain refused, he was shoved and treated to a string of abuse. Spencer pushed the man away and asked to be left alone.

Lions assistant Rob Howley confirmed the story.

“I spoke to John. It’s an isolated incident — a disappointing incident,” Howley said. “Since we’ve been here in New Zealand we’ve had a fantastic welcome. The New Zealand public have been unbelievable in their hospitality. Unfortunately in sport there’s always a minority, it’s not the majority. The experiences we’ve had over the past few weeks have been unbelievable. The New Zealand public have embraced us.

“Yes, there’s been banter between New Zealand supporters and our supporters and that’s par for the course but coming back to John it’s the minority not the majority.”

The local police said Spencer had not made a complaint but added “there is absolutely no place for this kind of loutish behaviour”.