MasterChef star George Calombaris charged with assault after a scuffle with a football fan
MASTERCHEF star George Calombaris has been charged with assault following his scuffle with a fan at the A-League grand final.
National
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MASTERCHEF judge George Calombaris has been charged with assault following a scuffle with a fan at the A-league grand final earlier this week.
Police served the 38-year-old with a court attendance notice early today, ordering him to appear at Downing Centre local court next month on charges of common assault.
Video footage was shared on the internet showing the flamboyant celebrity chef and Network Ten identity involved in a confrontation at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
In it, Calombaris can be seen arguing with a fan after his team lost the game in a penalty shootout.
It shows him hugging a blonde woman then getting his Melbourne Victory scarf and waving it in the face of an opposition supporter before allegedly pushing the man.
The confrontation came a month after it was revealed his restaurant empire was caught underpaying its staff up to $2.6 million.
Calombaris’ MAdE Establishment Group had gypped 162 employees.
Following the scuffle on Sunday, Calombaris said he was responding to insults directed at his family.
“I am really disappointed with what occurred last night,” he said in a statement to News Corp after the airing of the video.
“I was genuinely shocked when post-match football banter turned into personal abuse about my family. I regret the way in which I reacted, I am disappointed that I let it get to me, and I sincerely apologise for offending anyone.
“While I am not proud of my reaction to the situation, I was offended by a spectator yelling out abusive and derogatory comments about my family.
“I have spoken to Melbourne Victory FC and Football Federation Australia today to report the situation and I’m truly sorry that this has happened.”
Police ushered Calombaris away after the scuffle as fans became rowdy, hurling abuse at him.
“Take him away! Rubbish,” one game goer is heard yelling at police.
In a statement, Network Ten said it stood by its star.
“Network Ten cannot comment in detail about an ongoing police investigation. This is a personal matter.
“George has apologised for his regrettable and out of character reaction, which was in response to highly inflammatory insults about his family. He is not proud of his actions, has taken responsibility for them, and has the full support of Network Ten.”
Originally published as MasterChef star George Calombaris charged with assault after a scuffle with a football fan
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