Ben Fordham slams Nine network employee who called England coach Eddie Jones a ‘traitor’

After a Nine Network employee called Australian-born England rugby coach Eddie Jones a “traitor” on the weekend, 2GB host Ben Fordham has broken ranks to slam the man over the incident.

Radio host Ben Fordham has doubled down on his criticism of a Nine network colleague and Wallabies fan who called Australian-born England rugby coach Eddie Jones a “traitor”.

Video emerged on Saturday on Twitter of Nine and 2GB sales representative Jimmy Paton embroiled in an ugly confrontation with England coach Eddie Jones on the sidelines of the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Jones was called a ‘traitor’.

On Tuesday, 2GB breakfast host Fordham took aim at his colleague, declaring on-air it was time that the network took ownership of its employees.

“There was mixed feedback about the incident on the air yesterday with some saying Eddie Jones overreacted, and he probably did. He probably would’ve been wise just to move on because you hear all sorts of crazy things at the football,” Fordham said.

“But that doesn’t excuse the actions of the idiot who called him a traitor because it’s one of those highly charged words.”

Ben Fordham has taken a swipe at a Wallabies fan embroiled in an ugly incident with England coach Eddie Jones. Picture: Supplied.

He added: “If you’re a proud Australian, you’re not going to want to hear someone calling you a traitor and that’s why I called the fan an idiot yesterday, and on this occasion we need to own the fact that the idiot works for us.”

It comes after Fordham earlier delivered a spray about his Nine colleague on-air on Monday, where he referred to Paton as “one idiot in a Wallabies cap”.

Got what he deserved from Eddie pic.twitter.com/lUrtzrsB5h

— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) July 17, 2022

In the video, Paton is seen standing behind a sideline barricade at the SCG during the third test of the Wallabies’ series with England, shouting at coach Eddie Jones.

He was filmed pointing at Jones and shouting, “you’re a traitor”.

The comment, which was shared widely on social media, prompted a fiery reaction from the former Australia coach who immediately lunged towards Paton, pointing and shouting at him, and attempting to push past ground security.

“What did you say? What did you say?” Jones said.

“Come here and say it. Come here and say it. Come here and say it.”

Eddie Jones reacts to a supporter in Sydney following the first Test where he was abused. Photo: Twitter

The video footage also shows a security official saying to Paton, “I’ve spoken to you before, walk away”.

The Daily Telegraph understands Paton reached out to Jones on Monday to apologise.

It can be revealed that Paton, an SCG member, is set to have that membership suspended for breaching the organisation’s regulations.

Members are expected to adhere to certain behavioural standards, and Paton’s inflammatory taunt to a national coach is viewed as bringing the SCG and its patrons into disrepute.

SCG officials would not comment on the situation, however they are working with Rugby Australia to determine the punishment for Paton.

Nine is also an official broadcast partner of the Wallabies, airing Saturday’s test match on free to air and the streaming service Stan Sport.

England Head Coach Eddie Jones looks on ahead of game two of the International Test Match series between the Australia Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement:

“Rugby Australia is disappointed with the reported incidents within the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Third Test of the Wallabies’ series with England.

“The offensive remarks made by spectators in the Members’ areas towards England staff were unacceptable – and not representative of the values of Rugby.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour, and we are working with Venues NSW on appropriate sanctions for these individuals.

Jones looks on before game three of the International Test match series between the Wallabies and England at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Please, cheer for your team with all that you have – but please, always show respect for others.”

Paton was contacted by The Daily Telegraph for comment however did not respond.

Nine and 2GB have also refused to comment, but it is understood Paton has emailed Jones to apologise for the incident.

Eddie Jones previously coached the Australian team from 2001 to 2005 and after being sacked by Rugby Australia, became the technical adviser for South Africa at the 2007 World Cup.

A former player himself, he then coached the Japanese rugby team from 2012 to 2015 and has since coached the English team.

In another separate event on Saturday night a 31-year-old man visiting the SCG was arrested and charged after allegedly climbing the O’Reilly Stand and on top of a scoreboard within the stadium.

Video footage on social media shows the man standing on top of the roof of the stand and urinating.

“The deplorable actions of the alleged intruder that made his way to the roof of the grandstand were disgraceful and dangerous,” said Mr Marinos.

“This individual has been issued with a life ban from Rugby Australia events – and we will continue to support the authorities in their handling of the matter.”