Undoubtedly one of the biggest sporting events of the year is the upcoming boxing match between Floyd Mayweather (a boxer) and Conor McGregor (not a boxer). Despite the obvious draw, the Sunday Telegraph reports that pubs across the eastern suburbs of Sydney are refusing to play the match on their premises.
The reasoning? Why, it’s the bloody Irish again! According to Bob Tate, publican of The Glasshouse Hotel in Maroubra Junction, there are serious concerns about McGregor fans causing a ruckus if he loses. Which, I absolutely stress, he more than likely will absent any good ol’ fashioned Vegas match-fixing.
Here’s Tate:
It’s primarily the very high risk of anti-social and unacceptable behaviour from the McGregor supporters. They are a very passionate group that wear their heart on their sleeve. The majority of long-term Irish residents are great fun and great people but problems arise with the transient backpacker Irish traveller who does not conform to our responsible service of alcohol requirements and goes way too far, then disappears into the night to travel to their next destination. History and undeniable evidence shows me the likelihood of problems, pre-, during or after the event is substantial.
Ah! The crooked and shiftless Irish are at it again! You just don’t see raw, uncut anti-Irish prejudice like that these days.
In all seriousness though, McGregor will almost certainly lose thanks to the fact that he is not actually a boxer, and pubs are a bit concerned there’s going to be a strong response from the legions of Irish backpackers in the eastern suburbs.
Conor vs Mayweather will once and for all settle that classic debate: Who is the best at boxing? A professional boxer or someone else
— we (@kanwetwitty) June 15, 2017
As for the pubs which are bravely still showing the fight in the face of such staggering adversity, security is expected to be beefed the hell up. A 14 officer task force is expected to patrol the vicinity to ensure that pubs are able to handle the increased demand for the big fight.
“As with all major events across the state, police have an understanding with licensed establishments whereby the safety of patrons is a priority and the enjoyment of the event should not impact the well-being of patrons,” a police spokesperson said.
It’s rare to see the Irish stereotyped as being intrinsically violent and drunken people in the media – at least not since the 1950s (or if you’re Tony Abbott). All it took was one of the biggest sporting matches in history.
