serious14
Well-Known Member
From our c*nts, sorry - friends over at the Telegraph........
"TWO Central Coast Mariners players are today facing disciplinary action after attending yesterday's Mad Monday celebrations dressed as Adolf Hitler and God.
Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley branded the actions of Andre Gumprecht and Tony Vidmar "stupid" and said he would seek explanations for their behaviour.
German-born Gumprecht's decision to attend the event in Terrigal, on the Central Coast, dressed as Hitler drew criticism from Jewish groups, who described the costume as "disgusting" and urged him to apologise.
The 33-year-old midfielder was photographed alongside Vidmar, who appeared in white robes with his face blackened. He is understood to have been portraying Morgan Freeman, who played God in the 2003 film Bruce Almighty. Vidmar's nickname is God.
The players and their teammates had travelled back to the Central Coast following their 1-0 loss to the Newcastle Jets during the A-League Grand Final in Sydney on Sunday.
In a statement released by the FFA last night, Mr Buckley said the matter would be investigated further.
The incident could jeopardise Gumprecht's future with the club - he has not yet re-signed for next season.
"Such behaviour is not only stupid, but is also not tolerated by the FFA," Mr Buckley said.
"Our policy is clear. Any conduct that threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person, or group of people, on the basis of that person's race, religion, age, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin is abhorrent to FFA, whether on or off the field."
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies' vice president Yair Miller said Gumprecht's costume choice had been insensitive.
"It's regrettable and very disappointing and he should consider issuing an apology of sorts," he said.
"It's extremely unfortunate that somebody would not recognise the implications of dressing in such an outfit and we would hope that people would be more responsible in their celebrations or any other aspect of their lives."
While other Mariners players came dressed in a range of costume pieces including tiaras and Corey Delaney-esque yellow sunglasses, B'nai B'rith spokesman Ernie Friedlander said Gumprecht's outfit was "tasteless".
"Hitler was such a monster and for a lot of people, it's a very sensitive thing to be confronted with. We don't need to be reminded in this way," he said.
Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council spokesman Allon Lee said Gumprecht, a married father who runs a sporting academy for children, had an obligation to be more responsible.
"Without knowing all the details, this is clearly in poor taste, even if it was done in jest. He is a role model and he should consider the impact of his actions," Mr Lee said.
Jewish community spokesman David Knoll said he hoped Gumprecht would learn a lesson from his choice of costume yesterday.
"No doubt he didn't think about the implications of what he was doing. I would think that he did not give much thought to his choice of costume and given the opportunity to think about it, wouldn't repeat the exercise.""
*grumbles* Scraping the barrel for story's today, ay Telegraph??
Surely the fact that Gumprecht is from Germany had something to do with his choice of costume?? I won't comment further because by personal views on Israel will get in the way, so I'll let others say what they want......
As for Vidmar's costume - GET. THE. F*CK. OVER. IT. CONSERVATIVE. CHRISTIAN. MEDIA. You seem to think you have some be all and end all right to comment on all things religious. What if Vidmar was an atheist and taking the piss?? Not to mention that they say it themselves in the article - "Vidmar's nickname is God".
*sigh* What a wash up to the game.......
"TWO Central Coast Mariners players are today facing disciplinary action after attending yesterday's Mad Monday celebrations dressed as Adolf Hitler and God.
Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley branded the actions of Andre Gumprecht and Tony Vidmar "stupid" and said he would seek explanations for their behaviour.
German-born Gumprecht's decision to attend the event in Terrigal, on the Central Coast, dressed as Hitler drew criticism from Jewish groups, who described the costume as "disgusting" and urged him to apologise.
The 33-year-old midfielder was photographed alongside Vidmar, who appeared in white robes with his face blackened. He is understood to have been portraying Morgan Freeman, who played God in the 2003 film Bruce Almighty. Vidmar's nickname is God.
The players and their teammates had travelled back to the Central Coast following their 1-0 loss to the Newcastle Jets during the A-League Grand Final in Sydney on Sunday.
In a statement released by the FFA last night, Mr Buckley said the matter would be investigated further.
The incident could jeopardise Gumprecht's future with the club - he has not yet re-signed for next season.
"Such behaviour is not only stupid, but is also not tolerated by the FFA," Mr Buckley said.
"Our policy is clear. Any conduct that threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person, or group of people, on the basis of that person's race, religion, age, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin is abhorrent to FFA, whether on or off the field."
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies' vice president Yair Miller said Gumprecht's costume choice had been insensitive.
"It's regrettable and very disappointing and he should consider issuing an apology of sorts," he said.
"It's extremely unfortunate that somebody would not recognise the implications of dressing in such an outfit and we would hope that people would be more responsible in their celebrations or any other aspect of their lives."
While other Mariners players came dressed in a range of costume pieces including tiaras and Corey Delaney-esque yellow sunglasses, B'nai B'rith spokesman Ernie Friedlander said Gumprecht's outfit was "tasteless".
"Hitler was such a monster and for a lot of people, it's a very sensitive thing to be confronted with. We don't need to be reminded in this way," he said.
Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council spokesman Allon Lee said Gumprecht, a married father who runs a sporting academy for children, had an obligation to be more responsible.
"Without knowing all the details, this is clearly in poor taste, even if it was done in jest. He is a role model and he should consider the impact of his actions," Mr Lee said.
Jewish community spokesman David Knoll said he hoped Gumprecht would learn a lesson from his choice of costume yesterday.
"No doubt he didn't think about the implications of what he was doing. I would think that he did not give much thought to his choice of costume and given the opportunity to think about it, wouldn't repeat the exercise.""
*grumbles* Scraping the barrel for story's today, ay Telegraph??
Surely the fact that Gumprecht is from Germany had something to do with his choice of costume?? I won't comment further because by personal views on Israel will get in the way, so I'll let others say what they want......
As for Vidmar's costume - GET. THE. F*CK. OVER. IT. CONSERVATIVE. CHRISTIAN. MEDIA. You seem to think you have some be all and end all right to comment on all things religious. What if Vidmar was an atheist and taking the piss?? Not to mention that they say it themselves in the article - "Vidmar's nickname is God".
*sigh* What a wash up to the game.......
