Three Australian boys from a private school have been kicked out of a rugby tour in Japan after stealing a wheelchair from a disabled man.
The victim, an American living in Japan, shared a photo of the boys, who attend Ipswich Grammar School, on social media and asked for help identifying the boys after reporting the incident to police.
He was in Tokyo’s Kabukicho entertainment district when, he says, the boys “ran away” in his wheelchair.
“These guys are on vacation in Japan and stole someone’s wheelchair and ran off. Does anyone know who they are?” the wheelchair user asked on social media.
After sharing the photo, the man said he contacted the school and the team’s coach.
“I assume (perhaps naively) that they will approach the children in the right way,” they said.
“They said they would contact me to let me know what the final outcome was. Thanks to everyone who helped find them.
The man added that while he can walk short distances, the incident caused problems for his friends, who had to search for the wheelchair for two hours.
A Reddit user posted a photo of three Australian boys from a private school holding the wheelchair they allegedly stole from the user while they were in Japan
“In principle, consider the matter closed.”
A spokesman for Ispwich Grammar confirmed the boys were part of a school rugby trip.
“Ipswich Grammar School has been made aware of an incident that has occurred in Japan,” the spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australian on Wednesday.
‘After an investigation, the students involved were removed from the tour.
‘We have taken the matter seriously and the school is dealing with it in accordance with our policy’.
The school’s Rugby and Culture Trip is an eight-day visit to Japan, ending on Saturday.
The Australians immediately condemned the bad behavior.
“Those ugly Australians strike again,” someone wrote.
Ispwich Grammar is proud to be the oldest grammar school in Queensland and charges almost $7,000 in fees for Year 12 boys
“Well I hope the school suspends them and lets them work some hours at a disability organization,” added a second.
“Australians are a threat abroad,” said a third.
Ispwich Grammar prides itself on being the oldest grammar school in Queensland and charges fees of almost $5,145 per term, which equates to $20,580 per year.
Notable Grammar alums include High Court Supreme Justice Sir Harry Gibbs, author John Birmingham, Australian cricketers Shane Watson and Craig McDermott and competitive stars Kevin, Kerrod and Steven Walters.