George Calombaris apologises after incident with sport fan
MasterChef judge reacts after sports fan hurls abuse over staff payments at his restaurant.
- Published by David Knox
- on
MasterChef judge George Calombaris has apologised after an outburst with a sports fan at the A-League Grand Final.
A video in which he confronts a Sydney FC fan at Allianz Stadium has attracted media attention.
The  3AW video shows one fan yelling abuse at Calombaris over staff payments at his restaurant, before the exchange.
“I am really disappointed with what occurred last night,” he said in a statement.
“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-owned restaurants The Press Club, Gazi and Hellenic Republic underpaid staff to the tune of $2.6m in salary errors dating back to 2011 which is has vowed to repay.
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- Tagged with A-League, MasterChef Australia
11 Responses
This is the downside of fame, that’s for sure.
Maybe its George who should head up Hell’s Kitchen?
I was once told – many years ago – don’t argue with an idiot or a drunk. I won’t defend the issue regarding the salary wages but when people start hurling personal abuse regarding your family it’s time to get out your mobile and start filming. Turn the tables on the generation that lives behind their smartphones. I also noticed on “A Current Affair” the guy hurling abuse at George would not show his face on camera. How pathetic. If you believe you’ve been hard done by, stand up for yourself, be a man. Also give us the whole interaction on what was said, not just your interpretation.
Yes ACA was unfair. Refusing to be identified but throwing criticisms.
I used to watch it years ago but now I watch almost zero broadcast televisions. It’s all prerecorded or streaming. So I don’t see the network promos, don’t see the ads etc. They’d have to put something pretty good on to get me back now.
Cool story
You can push so much before someone reacts, what about the Sydney FC fan does he get away without
saying sorry?
MasterChef going from scandal to scandal. It’s had its day – but will not be watching anymore
Not a good day but the show is far from over.
You’re clearly a loyal fan.
Hasn’t even had a proper Monday episode yet!
What’s a proper Monday episode?