police outrage tasteless disgraceful TV offensive conduct

police.nsw.gov.au
Police express disgust at tasteless TV stunt - Dragons v Bulldogs NRL match - 15 July 2006
Senior police have expressed outrage after a media representative was allegedly caught with fake weapons outside last night’s St George-Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs NRL match at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval. Officers observed the TV comedian, dressed in a Bulldogs jersey and beanie, outside the ground prior to the match. He was allegedly in possession of balaclavas, an imitation knife, fake knuckle-dusters and flares, which were blue and white in colour. The 29-year-old Croydon Park man will be issued a notice to attend Sutherland Local Court at a later date for the offence of offensive conduct. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Denis Clifford, said officers took action after several Bulldogs’ fans complained about the man’s behaviour. “This was clearly an act of mindless stupidity that had the potential to stir up the large crowd and cause serious problems,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Clifford said. “It’s disgraceful that anyone could participate in such a tasteless stunt. Fans, club officials, the NRL and NSW Police have been working closely to stamp-out anti-social and criminal behaviour at Bulldogs matches and pranks such as this undermine the substantial progress that has been made.”
“The fact there was a capacity crowd for last night’s game is evidence fans feel safe attending Bulldogs matches,” he said.
Police were impressed by the good behaviour of the large number of fans.
Four people were ejected from the stadium for alcohol-related offences, while a male person will be issued a future court attendance notice for using offensive language.
The large crowd left the ground at the conclusion of the match without incident.