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Optus Stadium streaker: $50K fine on cards for idiot quarantine ground invader

Mitch WoodcockThe West Australian
VideoThis Optus Stadium streaker is in line for a whopping $50,000 fine and time in quarantine. Video: Caitlyn Rintoul

An idiotic Perth football fan is facing a $50,000 fine and two weeks in quarantine after running onto the field late in the clash between Geelong and Collingwood at Optus Stadium.

Just after a goal to Cat Cameron Guthrie with two minutes left in the game, the young man without a shirt on came from the southern wing and got about 30m onto the field before he was tackled by a number of security guards and dragged from the field.

WATCH THE VISION IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Security guards had masks and gloves on as they restrained the invader.

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Punters were not allowed within the first two rows near the oval because of the players are still in a 14-day COVID-19 quarantine, with the unexpected turn of events marring an entertaining night with more than 22,000 fans at the stadium.

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Given the strict quarantine measures in place, the normal fine for entering the field of play was increased, with the young man set to either face a fine of up to $50,000 or prison time.

The pitch invader will also be placed in 14 days quarantine, according to what WA’s Chief Health Officer told The West.

The invader gets tackled...
Camera IconThe invader gets tackled... Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos
...and controlled by security.
Camera Icon...and controlled by security. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

Danielle Dodson, who was at the game with her parents, described the streaker a “w**ker”.

“He jumped the fence at the 50m mark and got flattened by four security guards,” she said.

Despite the heavy risk, there was little reward for the pitch invader, who Dodson says “didn’t get close to any players”.

It is the second case of a field invader this year, with an animal rights protester running onto Optus Stadium during the AFLW derby.

It followed the streaker from the very first sporting event at the stadium in 2018, when a naked man evaded several security guards before being contained at the Australia - England ODI.

VideoWatch the moment Optus Stadium was christened with its first nude streaker. Video credit: Brett Conway

When play resumed, Collingwood rode a five-goal haul from returning star Jordan de Goey to run out 22-point winners on a wet Perth night.

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