This is unreal.
Police have officially charged ‘MasterChef Australia‘ judge George Calombaris with assault, following a scuffle with a football fan at the A-League Grand Final.
38-year-old Calombaris was served with a court attendance notice by police earlier today, meaning he will have to front Downing Centre local court next month to have one charge of common assault heard.
The incident occurred this past Sunday night at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, following the conclusion of the A-League Grand Final. Footage shows Calombaris, who is Melbourne Victory‘s number one ticket holder and was attending the game with Matt Preston and Shannon Bennett, being heckled by nearby fans. Calombaris then moves into the stands to confront the fan, and a mild altercation occurs.
Police at the ground intervened and ushered Calombaris away as the crowd hurled more abuse towards him.
On Monday, Calombaris issued a statement to media addressing the incident, claiming that the crowd abuse was targeting his family.
“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.”
This latest incident follows hot on the heels of a $2.6million underpaid staff scandal that has rocked his restaurant group, which includes popular eateries The Press Club, Hellenic Republic, and Jimmy Grants.
The case will be heard in court next month.
Source: Herald Sun.
Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty.
