- Albanese’s display has been slammed by footy fans
Members of Anthony Albanese’s team reportedly had an altercation with Roosters officials who prevented the prime minister from using a lift to get to the field after Alex Johnston became the NRL’s greatest try-scorer on Friday night.
Thousands of fans who witnessed the Rabbitohs winger’s 213th NRL try stormed the field to celebrate at Allianz Stadium – and long-time Souths fan Albanese joined them.
The prime minister was criticised for allegedly ignoring instructions from security and the NRL not to enter the field when the historic moment occurred.
However, it’s now been reported that Albanese attempted to enter the same public lift as several Roosters officials as he tried to get to the pitch to join the celebrations.
The officials were reportedly heading to the ground floor to join the players during the stoppage in play following Johnston’s try when a frosty exchange occurred.
‘This is only for the coaches,’ one Roosters official allegedly told the PM, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) was spotted on the field following Alex Johnston’s record-breaking try against the Roosters
The PM (pictured right of Johnston) is a long-time South Sydney supporter
Johnston (pictured) was mobbed by thousands of fans – in scenes which will be remembered for years to come
Members of Albanese’s team pushed back and said, ‘This is the Prime Minister,’ according to the publication.
Albanese has since been labelled ’embarrassing’ by some critics after running onto the pitch to celebrate Johnston’s moment.
As fans risked fines and bans by entering the field, Albanese was seen striding onto the pitch flanked by his security team.
Supporters later began dispersing, with Albanese escorted to the tunnel as ground staff worked to restart the match.
Some Australians quickly accused the PM of trying to take the spotlight away from Johnston.
‘Just how low can the Australian PM Albanese go? Alex Johnston breaks the all-time try-scoring record in the NRL and our clown PM walks onto the field waving his scarf – not to congratulate Alex but to say ‘look at me’,’ one fan wrote.
‘Considering Albo can be identified, I assume he will be fined $5,500 and banned from all major venues for a year,’ another said.
Asked after the game if he expected to be fined for joining the on-field chaos, Albanese told Nine Entertainment: ‘It was worth it to be part of history.’
