A MasterChef Australia judge has apologised following a shove on a teen at a football match after allegedly receiving abuse about his family.
George Calombaris, a diehard fan of Melbourne Victory, got into a verbal argument with a Sydney FC supporter following the two sides' showdown in the A-League final on Sunday night.
Footage has emerged showing Calombaris approaching the fan before suddenly extending his arm and shoving him. The supporter, a 19-year-old, can be seen reacting with bewilderment.
The incident is believed to have occurred after Calombaris received taunts about underpaying 162 of his 430 staff AU$2.6 million ($2.78 million) over six years - a revelation that came out only last month.
However, the restaurateur said in a statement that the heckling became even more personal than that - and also took the opportunity to issue an apology.
"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," he said.
"I was genuinely shocked when post-match football banter turned into personal abuse about my family.
"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."
Calombaris had been in a media role with Fox News ahead of the match.
The teen on the receiving end of the push filed a complaint with police, who are now investigating the incident.
Newshub.
