Shepparton bar The Deck explains promotion of gambling on Ukraine invasion

Despite an apology, some Shepparton residents remain sceptical a bar’s controversial bet on the Ukraine conflict was the responsibility of only one worker.

A Shepparton bar embroiled in controversy after promoting betting on the Ukraine conflict has elaborated on how the ‘disgusting’ sandwich board advertisement ended up outside its venue.

Outraged residents said they were “ashamed” to call the northern Victoria town their home after The Deck encouraged patrons to gamble on the winner of Russia’s invasion of its western neighbour.

Photos circulated online of the advertisement outside the Maude Street business on Saturday, and The Deck said it fired the worker responsible.

“It has been bought (sic) to our attention of [an] extremely disturbing and unprofessional action from one staff member,” the bar wrote online on Saturday.

“This morning a sandwich board advertising very inappropriate and thoughtless wording was put out on display.

“The staff member, who we will not name, has been sent home and no longer works for us.

“We apologise for his actions. We as a business apologise to having offended anyone. We are sorry.”

The board outside The Deck in Shepparton advertising betting odds for the invasion of Ukraine.

Following significant backlash online, the venue provided further explanation, saying that only a single employee was working at the time.

“There was one individual staff member working at The Deck as we accepted a breakfast booking to cater for 13 people,” it said.

“As we are a small business and do not regularly open at this time, the booking was manageable to be run by one person who has put the sandwich sign down the entry stairs by themselves.

“Management and other staff found out about the sign in real time just like everyone else and it was taken down straight away once we were alerted.”

The response on Facebook to The Deck’s statement was mostly negative, with people calling the sign “disappointing” and a “kick in the f-----g guts”.

One wrote: “To the Deck, how about a heartfelt apology to the Ukrainian people.”

Though some acknowledged the apology and explanation, many remained sceptical.

“Can’t imagine one person would have solely decided on that signage, considering most marketing ideas are run past management first,” a commenter said.

“One person do all these duties?” another asked.

“Alone? And then have time to make the sign?”

One woman said she was “ashamed” to be from Shepparton.

“As someone who used to be ashamed of Shepparton being my hometown I am letting that emotion creep back in when I was sent a photo of this sign,” she said.

“I’ve tried so hard to accept where I am from and engage in opportunities that allow me to cultivate change and reinforce a community but this has just blown my mind.”

People called on the bar to donate all profits to Ukranians in need.

“All the profit you made this week should be donated straight to charity for urgent security, relocation and accommodation,” a commenter said.

“A sorry doesn’t cut this revolting inhuman action. This is disgusting!”

Association of Ukrainians in Victoria president Slawko Kohut.

Association of Ukrainians in Victoria president Slawko Kohut said the conflict was “not a joke at all”.

“We’re grieving,” he said.

“Even personally, my family is disrupted too. They’re very close to the fighting and they’re afraid for their lives.

“I think it’s very distasteful using this event for that sort of thing.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 680 people had reacted to the statement on Facebook and the apology had garnered nearly 950 comments.

The Deck has been contacted for comment.