The most laid-back field substitute in football history fools security by going up the sidelines instead of running amok on the ground – and he even had time for a vape and a handshake with Billy Slater
- Laid-back field invader mixed with workers
- He even managed to hit his vape on the sidelines
- I have to shake Slater’s hand
While most field invaders tear across the pitch, evade guards and often take off their clothes, one fan took things very differently at the Melbourne NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.
As spectators took their seats and workers lined the sidelines in preparation for Thursday night’s game, he jumped the fence and simply stood with cameramen and ground crew as if he belonged on the sidelines.
The young man, who was filmed by fans, casually walked the pitch and couldn’t believe his luck when former Melbourne Storm champion and current Channel Nine commentator Billy Slater crossed his path.
The field intruder put out a paw, and Slater agreed by shaking the young man’s hand.
The cheeky spectator then threw up his hands in celebration and put on a goose step to mimic the Storm champion.
Over the course of several minutes, the young fan surveyed the field and was even able to take a hit of a vape.
Finally, a guard realized he didn’t belong on the field and tapped him on the shoulder.
It is not known what the young man said to the security officer, who politely opened a gate for him and let him back onto the stands instead of tackling him to the ground.
Slater is a former Melbourne Storm champion and now works as a Queensland State coach and a commentator on Channel Nine
The young fan was filmed shaking hands with Billy Slater before security finally figured out what was going on
“Glad they didn’t kick him out of the stadium, no game interruptions, my brother was just chill,” one fan wrote.
“He’s just casually vaping,” another fan posted with a series of laughing emojis.
“Confidence ladies and gentlemen, confidence will confuse people and they’ll think you’re supposed to be there,” added another.
Victoria Police confirmed that the 21-year-old man was later arrested and fined.
“Police were called following reports of a pitch intruder during a rugby league match in Melbourne on Thursday, April 6,” the police said in a statement.
“It is alleged that a man jumped the fence just before 8pm before walking on the ground.
“A 21-year-old Elwood man was arrested and fined for entering a sports game room without lawful cause and fined $370.”