MasterChef Judge George Calombaris Has Been Charged With Assault
He's expected to face a Sydney court tomorrow.
Police have charged 38-year old celebrity chef and MasterChef judge George Calombaris with assault after he allegedly shoved a football fan after last Sunday’s A-League grand final.
The incident occurred after Sydney FC defeated Calombaris’ team Melbourne Victory 4-2 in penalty shootouts. Video footage from the night shows Sydney FC fans heckling and booing Calombaris. One can be heard shouting “Pay your staff, you dodgy bastard.”
Police spoke to Calombaris after the incident, but he was escorted off the field by his friend and fellow MasterChef judge Matt Preston.
In a statement released on Monday Calombaris apologised for his actions and said “I am really disappointed with what occurred last night.” He also claimed his anger was in response to other (inaudible) personal comments.
“I was genuinely shocked when post-match football banter turned into personal abuse about my family,” he said. “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.”
In an interview with A Current Affair this week the teenager who was allegedly shoved by Calombaris said he intended to pursue the matter with police and denied he had personally abused the chef.
Calombaris is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court next month.
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Feature image via Facebook