'Stupid': Man sacked from job after streaking at AFL match
A man who ran shirtless onto the ground during an AFL game in Perth and seemingly tried to wriggle free of his pants as guards dragged him away has been fined $8000.
Jesse Hayen jumped the fence and attempted to evade guards during the final minutes of last week's clash between Geelong and Collingwood at Optus Stadium, breaching a coronavirus quarantine zone.
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He was tackled near the 50 metre line before he could reach the players or umpires and was removed from the stadium, where more than 22,000 spectators had gathered, spaced out in the 60,000-capacity venue.
The 28-year-old was charged with failing to comply with a direction under WA's Emergency Management Act, which was amended in response to COVID-19, and was fined in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.
The concreter was lashed by the magistrate, who labelled his actions “stupid”.
Hayen is returning to his Victorian home after his employer sacked him over the stunt.
The maximum penalty for the charge is $50,000 or 12 months' imprisonment.
Optus Stadium streaker ‘didn’t think about’ quarantine zone
The day after his would-be streaking effort, Hayen posed shirtless for Seven News, saying he “didn't even think about” the quarantine zone or know the penalty could be so high, despite warnings on big screens at the stadium.
“I guess it is pretty funny but yeah, nah I feel like a bit of a goose,” he said.
“It was something that I've always wanted to do just 'cos of the fear factor, I guess, yeah.”
He suggested he may do it again.
“It definitely won't be the last time the pitch invader's in action.”
Health Minister Roger Cook, who was at the match, called Hayen a “mug” and labelled his behaviour “pathetic”.
A crowd-funding effort dubbed "Pitch in for The Pitch Invader" only raised $350.
JUST IN: Victorian Jesse Hayen says he’s sorry for invading pitch at Optus Stadium #AFLCatsPies, didn’t realise field was quarantine zone, doesn’t have $$ to pay up to $50k fine so asking public to help 😬 @9NewsPerth @9NewsAUS pic.twitter.com/6V9huvQIYs
— Renae Henry (@renaehenry9) July 17, 2020