Canterbury Bulldogs lash fans for targeting well-known Raiders fan after Belmore win

The fallout from the return of the Bulldogs to Belmore has turned ugly after footage emerged of a Raiders cult hero being targeted by rival fans.

The Bulldogs have slammed the behaviour of fans who taunted a well-known Canberra Raiders supporter on Sunday and are “profoundly disheartened by the display of intimidation and inappropriate conduct” that occurred after the win at Belmore Oval.

Simon Tayoun has become a cult hero among NRL fans as the drum-carrying leader of the “Viking clap” celebration after Raiders wins.

He travels to every home and away game and was surrounded by Bulldogs fans while leaving Belmore Sportsground on Sunday, with footage showing him being taunted and even an attempt to take him to the ground from behind.

Raider fan Simon Tayoun was taunted by Canterbury supporters. Picture: Dylan Robinson

In a statement on Monday, the Bulldogs declared they were investigating what happened while offering “our sincere apologies” to Mr Tayoun.

“The Bulldogs are deeply concerned about an incident involving fan behaviour toward a supporter of the opposing team that occurred yesterday following our round 22 home match against the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground,” the statement said.

“Though the incident took place post-match and outside of the stadium premises, we are profoundly disheartened by the display of intimidation and inappropriate conduct towards another fan of the game.

“While the vast majority of our patrons upheld the values of sportsmanship, this behaviour falls far short of what we stand for as a club.

@PhilGould15 This is Simon the Canberra Raiders drummer being harassed by Bulldogs fans after the game.
Simon is so upset about this being verbally abused and at one point being knocked to the ground. 35 years supporting his team at away games this is the worst ever. pic.twitter.com/IbymSkbyFN

— troy worner (@troypod78) August 4, 2024

“Such actions are unacceptable, and we are actively investigating the situation, including reviewing available footage.

“We are making every effort to reach out to the individual at the centre of the incident to extend our sincere apologies. This behaviour does not represent the values of the Bulldogs.

“As a family club, we are committed to ensuring that all members and fans demonstrate respect and decency towards one another and act in the best interests of the game.”

The Raiders are yet to respond.

There were more than 18,000 people in attendance at the game.

Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs lash fans for targeting well-known Raiders fan after Belmore win