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Masterchef judge George Calombaris has been charged after he allegedly pushed a teenager at the A-League grand final in Sydney.
According to a Police statement, the 38-year-old has been charged with common assault over the altercation that took place at Moore Park on May 7.
Tempers erupted at 8.50pm following Sydney FC’s penalty shootout win against Melbourne Victory 4-2 as the fan reportedly yelled out “pay your staff” at Colambaris.
In video footage, football fans taunted at Calombaris who storms over to the stand at Allianz Stadium and points a finger at one of the men, before pushing him at the chest area.
Calombaris, who often watches Melbourne Victory’s was at match with fellow Masterchef judge Matt Preston.
According to Nine News he was spoken to by a police officer before being walking away with Preston by his side.
The very next day after the heated incident, Calombaris released a statement to apologise and claimed he was reacting to derogatory remarks made about his family. Calombaris has reported the abuse to both the FFA and Melbourne Victory.
“I am really disappointed with what occurred last night,” the statement from Calombaris reads.
“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.
Calombaris has also been involved in some serious matters after it was reported that 162 of his staff members had been underpaid by $2.6 million even thought he’d received a warning from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The chef will appear at Downing Centre Local Court to face the common assault charge on Thursday 29 June.
This article originally appeared on WHO.
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