Raiders star apologises for chewing gum, blowing bubbles during Last Post in Anzac clash

Footy fans have accused Raiders star Corey Horsburgh of being disrespectful while the Last Post was played on the weekend.

Corey Horsburgh is under fire for blowing bubblegum during the Last Post.

Canberra Raiders star Corey Horsburgh has apologised after he was filmed blowing bubbles while chewing gum as the Last Post played before kick-off against the Panthers.

The Last Post rung out before all NRL games across the long weekend, which culminated with the traditional Dragons vs Roosters game and Melbourne vs the Warriors on Anzac Day itself.

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The bugle call, which is played at Commonwealth military funerals and ceremonies, commemorates those who have lost their lives in war.

But as the Last Post echoed around Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium on Sunday evening, Fox League’s cameras captured Horsburgh chewing gum and blowing a bubble.

Several rugby league fans voiced their disgust on social media, branding the 24-year-old’s behaviour disrespectful.

Is Corey Horsburgh suffering CTE?

The #NRL should sit him for a week for bringing the game into disrepute#NRLPanthersRaiders#AnzacDay#ANZACpic.twitter.com/I60jfIfbGJ

— James Bing (@JamesBingTheO) April 25, 2022

So Canberra fans are upset about us doing the Viking Clap but silent on the actual disrespect from Corey Horsburgh blowing a bubble gum bubble during the Anzac ceremony

— Josh (@the_joshy_boy) April 25, 2022

Horsburgh apologised in an Instagram post on Tuesday morning, claiming he “completely forgot” the gum was in his mouth.

“Just wanted to post message to say I’m sorry if I offended anyone on the weekend during the ANZAC day ceremony before our game against the Panthers,” he wrote.

“It was an honest mistake and in no way did I mean to cause offence to anyone.

“I always chew gum before a game and completely forgot it was still in my mouth before I ran out.

“I have the deepest respect for the ANZAC day tradition and it was an honour to be involved in the game on Sunday.”

Penrith ultimately secured a comfortable 36-6 victory over the Raiders, with Panthers centre Stephen Crichton scoring a hat-trick.

Panthers fans torn down for cocky gesture

Panthers fans perform the “Viking Clap”. Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Midway through the second half, with the Panthers leading 24-6, fans at the foot of the mountains mocked the Raiders with their own rendition of the Viking Clap.

The Viking Clap became a staple of Canberra home games a few years ago as a means of supporting their side and intimidating the opposition, but Penrith supporters re-purposed it for themselves to rub salt into the wounds.

The act divided fans on social media, with some calling it just a bit of fun while others thought it lacked class.

The Daily Telegraph reports the Raiders were “privately seething” after Panthers fans mocked their club but coach Ricky Stuart wasn’t in the mood to talk about it in his post-match press conference.

“I have got not thoughts mate,” Stuart said. “Is that really a big focus point?

“F*** me dead.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was also asked if the Viking Clap was disrespectful.

“I don’t think anyone should be getting too sensitive about stuff like that,” he responded.

“The crowd pay their money. They are the lifeblood of the game. It is not just your home crowd, it is every crowd.

“That is what you want. You want people turning up in droves, which has been happening. I would imagine because I don’t really know, that it is just a bit of fun and games.”

Canberra will next face the Warriors at Moreton Daily Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm AEST.

Originally published as Raiders star apologises for chewing gum, blowing bubbles during Last Post in Anzac clash