New Zealand rugby star removed from MCG for sculling down a beer; receives massive support

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Boxing day Test between Australia and New Zealand ended up in the home side winning the game by 247 runs as the visitors were bowled out for 240 runs on day four of the second Test at the historic ground. Nathan Lyon finished with four wickets and James Pattinson removed three of the Kiwi wickets to hasten the defeat, despite a fighting knock by Tom Blundell.

Blundell, who was playing this match as an opener, scored a valiant 121 and was the last man out. Trent Boult didn’t come out to bat due to his broken hand and will fly home for further treatment and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the Kiwi team thanked the sizeable New Zealand crowd at the MCG and received a Haka from them as a mark of respect.

New Zealand rugby star removed from MCG for skulling down a beer  

However, not everything was rosy for the New Zealand crowd present on day four at the MCG witnessing the proceedings. Some unruly spectators were evicted from the MCG by Victoria police and ground security, who stated that as per stuff.co.nz, “The 22-year-old and 23-year-old, both New Zealand nationals, have been evicted and have incurred a 24-hour ban from the MCG.”

Amongst those evicted was Kiwi’s All Blacks rugby star Jordie Barrett, who was removed due to behavioral issues. He was ejected after he sculled a beer (downing a drink in one go) and cameras for Fox Sport captured the moment the 17-Test veteran was asked to leave the venue. However, the incident led to massive support for Barrett with ‘#justiceforjordie’ hashtag trending on social media.

The Alternative Commentary Collective’s lively Facebook page shared a fan’s account, who wrote, “I was sitting approximately 10 seats from Jordie when he was spotted in the crowd by a fellow Kiwi, he had half a beer and the boys said/chanted ‘scull’. Jordie was seated down and finished his half vessel of mid-strength over-priced beer and a security guard walked over and requested he leave.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand cricket star Jimmy Neesham tweeted that Barrett was welcomed to have a beer at his house anytime. He tweeted,” Jordie can come bin a beer at mine any time 🤙”

Jordie can come bin a beer at mine any time 🤙 https://t.co/ll6pbbFH6m

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) December 28, 2019