Bulls fan caught on video

There will be harsh repercussions for the unruly fan who disgraced himself by spoiling the Blues 29-23 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria, on Saturday.

The post-match celebrations of a thrilling match were soured with the news that Blues captain Keven Mealamu was hit by a bottle thrown by a Bulls fan.

And the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) again expressed their refusal to tolerate unsportsmanlike behaviour with steps to prevent a repeat of such loutish behaviour.

Not only has the BBC 'named and shamed' the lout, Johannes Gideon Nel, but they have sincerely apologised to the Blues on behalf of their board, managers, team and supporters.



A screen shot from the video

In a statement issued on Sunday the BBC said as a result of the unruly behaviour of a Bulls fan at the game company CEO Barend van Graan has telephonically apologised to Bryce Anderson, the manager of the Blues.

"Our High Performance Manager, Ian Schwartz, apologised to Blues captain Keven Mealamu at the post match conference," Van Graan said in the statement.

"Mealamu not only accepted his apology on behalf of the company, but was also impressed with the way in which we immediately sorted out the matter.

"I have spoken to Anderson and apologised on behalf of our board of directors, managers, Bulls team and supporters. I am delighted that Anderson and Mealamu have accepted our apology for this unfortunate incident."

The BBC also revealed that there will be harsh repercussions for the unruly fan and explained that further steps will be taken to avoid a repeat of such incidents.

The disorderly behaviour by Nel resulted in the individual being arrested and removed from Loftus Versfeld as the BBC continue to crack down on fans that step out of line.

Immediately after the final whistle in the Bulls' loss to the Blues, Nel dodged security and threw a plastic bottle in the direction of the players - striking winning Blues captain Keven Mealamu.

Nel was immediately arrested, according to the BBC CEO, Van Graan.

"We absolutely refuse to accept this unsportsmanlike behaviour and have arrested the individual," he said.

"The Blue Bulls Company works tirelessly to create an environment that is friendly and fair to all ages, races and nationalities.

"We want to warn our fans that irrespective of our on field performances, we will not accept 'fans' taking out their anger on our opponents. We will respond to this matter timeously and follow the necessary procedures in order to ensure that this individual learns his lesson."

Nel was immediately escorted to the security control room and later taken to the Sunnyside police station where a charge of assault has been laid against him.

Van Graan concluded: "We will continue to enforce even stricter security measures as behaviour like this is not welcome at Loftus."

SOURCE : IAFRICA