Why Sam Newman could be banned from the MCG
Sam Newman could face a two-year ban from the MCG over this one simple act.
The former AFL player, who has been a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club for more than 50 years, could be banned from next year's Grand Final after he revealed that he had "transferred a ticket" to his son's friend earlier this week.
“My son said ‘have you got any tickets?’ I said ‘No, but I get a ticket from the MCG because I am a member’,” he explained on his You Cannot Be Serious podcast.
“I said ‘why don’t you get one from the MCG’?
“So he applied and got one and he had a friend in Perth who he gave the ticket to.
“Then he called me on the day and said his friend couldn’t get in because ‘they said he was trying to impersonate you’ (Newman) and ‘that the other bit of bad news is you have been suspended from going to next year’s grand final because you have tried to sneak someone in on your ticket’.
“I had no intention of trying to sneak anyone in. I just thought if I get issued a ticket I can give it to someone," he continued.
Despite the suspension, the former footy star said he "couldn't care less" about the potential suspension.
“Ignorance is bliss. I don’t care if they ban me from every Grand Final because while they go on with that pompous, arrogant, nonsense beforehand (the Welcome to Country), I just won’t go.”
In a statement shared to the Herald Sun, the MCC noted that all members were advised of the restrictions around tickets for the Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans grand final ahead of the game.
“The Melbourne Cricket Club does not make comment in relation to disciplinary matters and all members must adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct,” a spokesperson said.
“Eligible members of the Melbourne Cricket Club were able to access the 2024 AFL Grand Final subject to membership restrictions which were communicated to members in advance of the event.”
Newman will wait to see whether he will receive any punishment, which would range from a membership suspension or restrictions between six months and two years.
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