Bulldogs star Matt Burton is targeted by a laser as he kicked at goal in side’s win over the Rabbitohs – with ‘imbecile’ teen slammed for the act
- Police and ground security swooped quickly on teen
- Burton landed the touchline goal
- Incident spurred the Bulldogs to victory
A teenage fan was found and booted out of Accor Stadium for allegedly shining a laser into the eyes of Bulldogs Matt Burton as he lined up for a kick at goal.
Just nine minutes into Canterbury’s 36-32 win over the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Saturday night, a green light shone on Burton’s face; forcing him to stop his approach to the ball.
Commentators initially had no idea what was happening as Burton turned to face the referee and complain. He then pointed into the crowd and everyone was momentarily stunned.
Referee Liam Kennedy was heard on microphone telling Burton to ‘try and line it up and I’ll have a word with the ground manager.’ He then turned around to immediately look for the manager or security.
Burton was clearly flustered.
Star Bulldog Matt Burton (pictured) was the victim of a green laser light being shone in his face as he attempted a shot for goal
He immediately halted his approach, turned to referee Liam Kennedy, pointed to where the light came from and the ref alerted ground security
Replays then revealed what had happened, with Andrew Voss in disbelief.
‘Oh, wait a minute, Burton has been targeted with a laser in the crowd,’ he said on the Fox Sports broadcast.
‘A laser on the face. We can do without that. We are all here for a bit longer and I hope he kicks it.’
It was a difficult shot from the sideline, but gathering himself, Burton charged in and hit the ball as sweetly as possible.
The kick sailed high and long and straight between the posts levelling up the score at 6-6.
‘Stick the laser up, you know where,’ said Voss as the ball sailed between the posts.
Moments later, ground security had located the teenager who allegedly shone the banned green laser.
He was full of pride with himself and was posing for a pic with Reggie the Rabbit, the Souths mascot, when police swooped on him and he was immediately evicted.
Burton (with ball) starred in the stunning upset win by the Bulldogs over the Rabbitohs
Radio commentator Andrew Moore slammed the teenager over the act.
‘What an imbecile,’ he said on ABC Radio’s coverage.
‘Who comes to the footy to shine a laser at some bloke’s eye. What an idiot.’
Police will now investigate the incident, with the alleged offender facing a possible life ban from the venue.
The Bulldogs went on to cause a stunning upset win over the Rabbitohs, just a week after being booed off the field by their own fans after a 66-point drubbing.
New signing Toby Sexton along with Burton who was back to his audacious best were among the stars and the victory kept their slim hopes of a finals playoff birth alive.
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